The effects of pomegranate consumption on lipid profile in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Hossein Bahari, Fatemeh Rezaiian, Kian Goudarzi, Seyedeh Nooshan Mirmohammadali, Omid Asbaghi, Kosar Sadat Hosseini Kolbadi, Moslem Naderian, Ali Hosseini
Abstract
Inconsistent evidence exists regarding the impact of pomegranate on lipid profile. Hence, this meta-analysis aimed to identify this effect. Database search was performed until June 2023 to identify eligible trials. Estimated 95 % confidence (CI) and the weighted mean difference (WMD) was used for triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) through the random-effects model. Analyzing overall effect sizes for TG and TC demonstrated a significant reduction in TG levels (WMD-12.65 mg/dL; 95%CI: −20.13 to −5.17; p = 0.001), whereas indicated no significant alteration in TC levels (WMD: −3.82 mg/dL; 95%CI: −7.66 to 0.02; p = 0.052). Pomegranate intake had a significant diminishing effect on LDL-C levels (WMD: −3.07 mg/dl; 95%CI: −5.70 to −0.44; p = 0.022), and a significant increasing influence on HDL-C levels (WMD: 2.53 mg/dl; 95%CI: 1.08 to 3.62; p < 0.001). Pomegranate consumption has a beneficial effect in improving TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C levels. Prospero registration code: CRD42023403365.