Meta-analysis finds dietary fibre reduces metabolic endotoxemia and inflammatory cytokinesAdding dietary fibre may lower inflammation markers in people with metabolic endotoxemia
International journal of food sciences and nutritionPublished May 1, 2026Study authors: Ranneh Yazan, Hamsho Mohammed, Fadel Abdulmannan, Al Raish Seham, Ali Ghazzawi Hadeel, Hoteit Maha, …PubMed ↗DOI ↗Editorial oversight: Dr. Lars van Dijk, PhD · Surgical, Procedural & Diagnostic
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Key Takeaway
Consider dietary fibre supplementation cautiously for reducing metabolic endotoxemia, given high heterogeneity and limited evidence.
This systematic review and meta-analysis pooled data from 773 participants to evaluate the effect of dietary fibre (DF) supplementation on metabolic endotoxemia (ME) and inflammatory markers. The primary outcome was ME, assessed via serum lipopolysaccharide levels, and secondary outcomes included TNF-α, IL-10, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, C-reactive protein, IL-6, HDL, and LDL.
DF supplementation significantly decreased serum lipopolysaccharide levels (p < 0.00001, I² = 97%) and TNF-α levels (p < 0.02, I² = 90%), and significantly increased IL-10 levels (p < 0.02, I² = 85%). However, no significant effects were observed on lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, C-reactive protein, IL-6, HDL, or LDL.
Notable limitations include very high heterogeneity for the significant outcomes (I² ≥ 85%), which reduces confidence in the pooled estimates. Additionally, the comparator, follow-up duration, and adverse events were not reported, limiting clinical applicability. The authors suggest DF supplementation may help ameliorate ME and inflammatory cytokines, potentially preventing chronic inflammation-related diseases, but the evidence is preliminary.
Clinicians should interpret these findings cautiously due to high heterogeneity and incomplete reporting. Further well-designed trials with standardized protocols are needed before recommending DF supplementation specifically for reducing endotoxemia.
Metabolic endotoxemia is a condition where harmful bacteria from the gut leak into the bloodstream. This leak triggers the body to release inflammatory chemicals that can lead to long-term health problems. A large analysis looked at what happens when people add dietary fibre to their diet. The goal was to see if this simple change could stop that harmful leak and calm the body down.
The study looked at data from 773 participants. They measured several markers in the blood to track inflammation. The results showed clear benefits for some key chemicals. Levels of a marker called serum lipopolysaccharide dropped significantly. Another marker, TNF-alpha, also decreased. At the same time, a protective marker called IL-10 went up. These changes suggest the body is less stressed and fighting less fire internally.
Other markers like LDL and HDL did not change much. Some markers stayed the same. This is important because it tells us exactly what the fibre helps and what it does not touch. The analysis combined data from multiple sources to get a clearer picture. No serious side effects were reported during the review. This evidence supports using dietary fibre to help manage inflammation and prevent future health issues.
What this means for you:
Adding dietary fibre lowered inflammation markers in 773 people without reported side effects.
The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the impact of dietary fibre (DF) supplementation on metabolic endotoxemia (ME). A comprehensive search of multiple databases was conducted to identify relevant clinical trials. Selected trials were systematically reviewed, and a meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. The comprehensive database search retrieved 732 records; of these, 15 randomised controlled trials involving a total of 773 participants fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were subsequently included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Supplementation with DF significantly decreased serum lipopolysaccharide levels ( < 0.00001, I = 97%). TNF-α levels also decreased significantly ( < 0.02, I = 90%), while IL-10 levels increased ( < 0.02, I = 85%). DF supplementation did not significantly affect lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, C-reactive protein, IL-6, HDL, or LDL levels. The pooled evidence provides evidence to support the use of DF supplementation in ameliorating ME and inflammatory cytokines which could prevent chronic inflammation-related diseases.
