Effects of Anthocyanin-rich Berries on the Risk of Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Wilken MR, Lambert MNT, Christensen CB, Jeppesen PB

The review of diabetic studies : RDS · March 9, 2022

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) can lead to fatal complications, including cardiovascular disease. Anthocyanins (color pigments found in berries) have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we investigated the possible beneficial effects of the intake of berries high in anthocyanins on MetS risk factors, including HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. Of 2,274 identified articles, 21 met inclusion criteria. The studies showed an overall reduction in low-density lipoprotein. Increases in HDL were found with cranberry and freeze-dried berry intake during a 4-6-week intervention. No statistically significant findings were detected for fasting glucose, HbA1c, insulin levels, blood pressure, oxidized LDL, or BMI. We conclude that increased berry intake improves MetS key risk factors, with pronounced effects for concentrated berry products such as freeze-dried strawberries.

PMID: 35300756 · DOI: 10.1900/RDS.2022.18.42