The Effect of Berry-Based Food Interventions on Markers of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Mol Nutr Food Res. 2018 Jan;62(1). doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201700645.

Abstract

Scope: Epidemiological evidence, animal, and in vitro studies suggest that berry consumption may ameliorate markers of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate findings from berry-based randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to establish the effects of berry consumption on markers of cardiovascular and metabolic health.

Methods and results: PubMed and Web of Science are searched for RCTs investigating berry consumption on CVD risk outcomes in adults. A total of 23 studies (which includes 1168 participants) out of 1384 records meet the inclusion criteria. Of these 23 studies, 17 RCTs are of high quality, where 12 RCTs (71%) report beneficial effects of berry consumption on CVD risk markers. Overall, 4/11 RCTs that observe a reduction in systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure (BP); 3/7 RCTs report favorable effects on endothelial function, 2/3 RCTs report improvements in arterial stiffness, 7/17 studies observe benefits in blood lipids, and 3/6 studies report improvements in glycemic profile.

Conclusion: Our evaluation of the literature indicates that more than two-thirds of high-quality trials have reported beneficial effects of berry consumption on markers of CVD risk. This systematic review contributes moderate to strong evidence for the inclusion of berries as part of a cardioprotective diet.

Keywords: berries; cardiovascular risk; dietary intervention; randomized controlled trials.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers
  • Blood Glucose / analysis
  • Blood Pressure*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Diet
  • Endothelium, Vascular* / physiology
  • Fruit*
  • Humans
  • Lipids / blood
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Vascular Stiffness*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Blood Glucose
  • Lipids