Effects of prebiotic-rich yogurt on menopausal symptoms and metabolic indices in menopausal women: a triple-blind randomised controlled trial

This study aimed to investigate the effects of prebiotics on metabolic indices and menopausal symptoms. This triple-blind randomised controlled trial was conducted on 60 menopausal women. The participants were assigned to two groups based on block randomisation. Over 6 weeks, the experimental group received 100g of prebiotic-rich yogurt daily after lunch and the control group received regular yogurt. Menopausal symptoms and metabolic indices were assessed before and after the treatment. The mean total score of menopausal symptoms (p < 0.001), anxiety (p < 0.001), depression (p = 0.003), vasomotor (p < 0.001), and low-density lipoprotein (p = 0.028) was statistically lower in the experimental group than the control group. Moreover, the serum insulin level was statistically higher among those in the experimental group (p = 0.011). The study results demonstrated the positive effects of prebiotic-rich yogurt on menopausal symptoms and some metabolic indices.