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Kefir as a therapeutic agent in clinical research: a scoping review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 March 2023

Milena Klippel Bessa Open the ORCID record for Milena Klippel Bessa [Opens in a new window] ,
Giancarlo Rezende Bessa  and
Renan Rangel Bonamigo
Milena Klippel Bessa*
Affiliation:
Postgraduate Program in Pathology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Rua Sarmento Leite, 245, 90050-170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
Giancarlo Rezende Bessa
Affiliation:
Universidade Feevale, ERS-239, 2755, 93525-075, Novo Hamburgo, RS, Brazil
Renan Rangel Bonamigo
Affiliation:
Postgraduate Program in Pathology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Rua Sarmento Leite, 245, 90050-170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
*
*Corresponding author: Milena Klippel Bessa, email: klippel.milena@gmail.com
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Abstract

Increasing research has been conducted on the role of probiotics in disease treatment. Kefir, a safe, low-cost probiotic fermented milk drink, has been investigated in many in vitro and animal studies, although parameters for human therapeutic dose or treatment time have not yet been determined. Here we perform a scoping review of clinical studies that have used kefir as a therapeutic agent, compiling the results for perspectives to support and direct further research. This review was based on Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, including studies on the effects of kefir-fermented milk in humans. Using the term KEFIR, the main international databases were searched for studies published in English, Spanish or Portuguese until 9 March 2022. A total of 5835 articles were identified in the four databases, with forty-four eligible for analysis. The research areas were classified as metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, gastrointestinal health/disorders, maternal/child health and paediatrics, dentistry, oncology, women’s and geriatric health, and dermatology. The many study limitations hampered generalisation of the results. The small sample sizes, methodological variation and differences in kefir types, dosage and treatment duration prevented clear conclusions about its benefits for specific diseases. We suggest using a standard therapeutic dose of traditionally prepared kefir in millilitres according to body weight, making routine consumption more feasible. The studies showed that kefir is safe for people without serious illnesses.

Keywords

KefirProbioticsGut microbiotaTherapeutic uses
Type
Review Article
Information
Nutrition Research Reviews , Volume 37 , Issue 1 , June 2024 , pp. 79 - 95
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of The Nutrition Society

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