SRMAs (Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses) are considered the gold standard for summarizing research. A systematic review involves an exhaustive search to gather all available research in published databases using specific, pre-determined search criteria. The total articles generated can be in the thousands, depending on the amount of research in that field.

At least two Independent qualified reviewers then use pre-established criteria to review each study and determine whether it is eligible to be included in the meta-analysis. This careful analysis generally reduces the number of articles by over 90%.Once those articles are selected, the data are extracted and pooled using statistical methods for meta-analyses. The certainty of the evidence is then assessed, which takes into account the risk of bias in the individual studies and publication bias, heterogeneity, generalizability, precision and dose-response of the pooled evidence. This leads to a robust scientific publication that summarizes the current understanding of the research and confidence in the findings.

The results of a SRMA are therefore considered of highest scientific validity.

Food and ingredient companies will use SRMAs to learn more about the metabolic effects of ingredients or foods that are part of their portfolio, informing product development decisions and strategic direction. Information generated from a SRMA can direct a company’s efforts and save time and money by leading them in the most promising direction for food and ingredient development.