TABLE 3.

Subgroup analysis for the effects of probiotics on IL−6.

Subgroup	No. of trials	No. of participants	I 2 (%)	Pooled SMD [95% CI]
Probiotics dose
≥1010 CFU/day	6	265	10.4	−0.23 [−0.49, 0.03]
<1010 CFU/day	3	157	0	0.13 [−0.19, 0.44]
NR	1	34	0	0.29 [−0.39, 0.96]
Probiotics strain
Single	4	161	0	0.11 [−0.20, 0.42]
Multiple	6	295	29.0	−0.15 [−0.43, 0.12]
Duration of intervention
≤8 weeks	7	283	30.7	−0.05 [−0.34, 0.24]
>8 weeks	3	173	0	−0.08 [−0.38, 0.22]
Method of administration
Powder/capsule	6	265	0.8	−0.22 [−0.47, 0.02]
Food	3	157	0	0.08 [−0.23, 0.40]
NR	1	34	0	0.41 [−0.27, 1.09]