THE EFFECTS OF KOMBUCHA CONSUMPTION ON OBESITY AND DIABETES OUTCOMES

Authors

• Linda Linda, Master of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
• Lina Lukitasari, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
• Rahmad Darmawan, Faculty of Dentistr, Institute Bhakti Wiyata Health, Kediri, Indonesia
• Citrawati Dyah Kencono Wungu, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, IndonesiaFollow
• Roikhatul Khusniyah, Master of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
• Ervi Audina Munthe, Department of Biochemistry and Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Palangka Raya, Palangka Raya, Indonesia

ORCID ID

Linda Linda: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2936-2489

Lina Lukitasari: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9413-2949

Rahmad Darmawan: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9221-6312

Citrawati Dyah Kencono Wungu: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5180-957X

Roikhatul Khusniyah: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-1805-125X

Ervi Audina Munthe: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6550-6641

Abstract

Numerous clinical trials have explored the potential of kombucha in addressing obesity and diabetes. Nonetheless, a thorough and integrated analysis of findings from these trials remains lacking. Hence, this review seeks to assess effects of kombucha on metabolic parameters and examine the reliability and quality of available clinical evidence to support its role as a dietary intervention. Studies were sourced from scientific databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. This review included studies that reported outcomes related to obesity and diabetes in individuals with either condition who received kombucha as an intervention. There were six clinical trials included. A total of 66 individuals with obesity, 12 individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and 63 healthy individuals were given kombucha as an intervention. The meta-analysis indicates that obese patients showed no significant results in reducing BMI before and after consuming kombucha, with a mean difference (MD) of 0.02 (95% CI: -0.75 to 0.80, P=0.96) in RCTs, and weight with MD of -0.80 (95% CI: -3.42 to 1.82, P=0.55). Kombucha may serve as a supportive functional beverage in managing obesity and T2DM. Metabolic profile indicates that kombucha has potential to enhance gut microbiota balance, improve intestinal barrier function, and maintain mucosal integrity. Kombucha consumption in individuals with obesity also showed anti-inflammatory effects. Individuals with T2DM experienced a reduction in fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels after kombucha intervention. Meanwhile, kombucha did not cause effects in terms of anthropometric and metabolic parameters. However, it did cause gastrointestinal effects that should be considered during consumption. However, gastrointestinal side effects warrant careful consideration in future clinical applications.

Keywords

Kombucha; Obesity; Diabetes; Functional Food

First Page

134

Last Page

151

DOI

10.65346/2599-056X.2438

Publication Date

6-30-2026

Recommended Citation

Linda, Linda; Lukitasari, Lina; Darmawan, Rahmad; Wungu, Citrawati Dyah Kencono; Khusniyah, Roikhatul; and Munthe, Ervi Audina. 2026 THE EFFECTS OF KOMBUCHA CONSUMPTION ON OBESITY AND DIABETES OUTCOMES. Folia Medica Indonesiana. 62, 1 (Jun. 2026 ), 134-151.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.65346/2599-056X.2438