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The following is a summary of “Effects of synbiotic supplementation on the components of metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial,” published in the October 2024 issue of Psychiatry by Basafa-Roodi et al.
Antipsychotics can negatively affect metabolic syndrome components. Microbiome changes are linked to metabolic issues in schizophrenia.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study to evaluate synbiotics’ effects on metabolic syndrome in schizophrenia. Secondary outcomes included HbA1c, insulin resistance, and LDL-c.
They randomly divided 70 patients with schizophrenia receiving antipsychotics (with at least 2 metabolic syndrome criteria) into 2 groups. Then 1 group received 2 synbiotic supplement capsules daily, while the other received a placebo for 8 weeks. Anthropometric indices and biochemical parameters were measured at baseline and post-intervention.
The results showed 55 patients completed the study. The synbiotic supplement significantly reduced waist circumference and HbA1c compared to placebo ([−2.66 ± 4.20 vs. 3.03 ± 4.50] and [−0.26 ± 0.54 vs 0.20 ± 0.75], respectively). BMI remained stable in the synbiotic group but increased in the placebo group ([−0.37 ± 1.00 vs. 0.61 ± 1.09], P<0.5). LDL-c and triglycerides (TG) decreased in the synbiotic group, though the difference with placebo was not significant. No significant changes were observed in fasting blood sugar, HDL-c, blood pressure, insulin resistance, or total cholesterol between the groups.
The study concluded that synbiotic supplementation reduced waist circumference, HbA1c, LDL, and triglycerides. It also prevented BMI increase in patients on antipsychotics.
Source: bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-024-06061-y#Abs1
