Nutritional advice

500 mL/d orange juice consumption causally reduce bad cholesterol

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Objectives:
Does orange juice consumption causally improve lipid profile?

Study design:
This review article included 9 RCTs with a total of 386 participants.
The mean age of the participants ranged from 36 to 56 years.
All the RCTs used a parallel study design.
The dosage of orange juice ranged from 250 to 1000 mL/d.
The duration of interventions ranged from 3 to 12 weeks.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found orange juice consumption significantly reduced LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) levels [WMD  = -8.35 mg/dL, 95% CI = -15.43 to 1.26, p = 0.021, I2 = 45.8%, p = 0.055].

The investigators found in subgroup analysis based on the administered dosage, LDL cholesterol levels significantly decreased following the consumption of >500 mL/d orange juice [WMD = -9.85 mg/dL, 95% CI = -18.18 to -1.52, p = 0.02].
Moreover, the subgroup analyses based on the duration of intervention revealed that the effect of orange juice supplementation on LDL cholesterol levels was significantly greater in trials lasting ≤8 weeks [WMD = -7.91 mg/dL, 95% CI = -15.91 to -36, p = 0·04].
Also, studies conducted on both genders were observed to be significantly more likely to reduce blood LDL-C levels [WMD = -12.61 mg/dL, 95% CI = -21.19 to -4.04, p = 0.004].

The investigators concluded that  at least 500 mL/d orange juice consumption causally reduce LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) levels.

Original title:
Orange juice intake and lipid profile: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials by Amini MR, Sheikhhossein F, […], Askarpour M.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10052563/

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30g/d whole grains consumption reduce all-cause mortality

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Objectives:
Although relationships between the intake of whole grains and refined grains and the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and all-cause mortality have been investigated, the conclusions have been inconclusive. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Does consumption of whole grains reduce risk of stroke, coronary heart disease, heart  failure, cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality?

Study design:
This review article included 68 prospective cohort studies (46 for whole grains and 22 for refined grains) with 1,624,407 participants.

The included studies had follow-up periods between 5.4 y and 26 y, with sample sizes varying from 535 to 461,047 participants.

Based on NOS, the mean score of the included studies was 7.74 for whole grains and 7.45 for refined grains.

Egger’s test and funnel plot did not indicate any publication bias for the relationships between 30g/d increases in whole grain consumption and the risk of stroke [p = 0.481], cardiovascular disease [p= 0.144] or all-cause mortality [p = 0.409].

The quality of meta-evidence for the association between whole grain consumption and risks of stroke, coronary heart disease, heart failure, cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality was moderate, moderate, low, high and high, respectively.
The quality of evidence for refined grain was low.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found a significantly reduced risk of 3% for stroke per 30-g increase in daily whole grain consumption [RR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.96 to 0.99, I2 = 0%].

The investigators found a significantly reduced risk of 6% for coronary heart disease (CHD) per 30-g increase in daily whole grain consumption [RR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.92 to 0.97, I2 = 54.4%].
Sensitivity analyses indicated that the result was stable.

The investigators found a significantly reduced risk of 8% for cardiovascular disease (CVD) per 30-g increase in daily whole grain consumption [RR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.88 to 0.96, I2 = 82.9%].
Sensitivity analyses indicated that the result was stable.

The investigators found a significantly reduced risk of 6% for all-cause mortality per 30-g increase in daily whole grain consumption [RR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.92 to 0.97, I2 = 89.8%].
Sensitivity analyses indicated that the result was stable.

The investigators found whole grain consumption was linearly associated with coronary heart disease [p nonlinearity = 0.231] and nonlinearly associated with cardiovascular disease [p nonlinearity = 0.002] and all-cause mortality [p nonlinearity = 0.001].

The investigators concluded that consumption of at least 30g/d whole grains reduce stroke, coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality.

Original title:
Consumption of whole grains and refined grains and associated risk of cardiovascular disease events and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies by Hu H, Zhao Y, […], Hu D.

Link:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916522105186?via%3Dihub

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Dietary intake of 200-700 mg/day calcium reduces stroke among Asians

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Objectives:
Prospective cohorts are inconsistent regarding the association between dietary calcium intake and the risk of stroke. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Does dietary intake of calcium reduce risk of stroke?

Study design:
This review article included 18 prospective cohort studies witth19,557 stroke cases (persons) among 882,181 participants.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found a nonlinear association between calcium intake and risk of stroke [p nonlinearity 0.003].

The investigators found compared with the lowest value of zero assumed as the reference, dietary intake of 200 mg/day calcium significantly reduced stroke risk with 5% [95% CI = 0.92 to 0.98].
This protective effect was only found in Asian countries.

The investigators found compared with the lowest value of zero assumed as the reference, dietary intake of 300 mg/day calcium significantly reduced stroke risk with 6% [95% CI = 0.90 to 0.98].
This protective effect was only found in Asian countries.

The investigators found compared with the lowest value of zero assumed as the reference, dietary intake of 500 mg/day calcium significantly reduced stroke risk with 5% [95% CI = 0.90 to 0.99].
This protective effect was only found in Asian countries.

The investigators found no protective effect for stroke at dietary intake of 700 mg/day calcium or higher.

The investigators concluded dietary intake of 200-700 mg/day calcium reduces stroke risk among Asians.

Original title:
Dietary calcium intake and the risk of stroke: Meta-analysis of cohort studies by Wang ZM, Bu XX, […], Nie ZL.

Link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36958976/

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Green tea may causally improve risk factors of cardiovascular disease

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Objectives:
Is there a causal relationship between drinking green tea and improving risk factors of cardiovascular disease, like cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, blood pressure, HbA1c, HOMA-IR?

Study design:
This review article included 55 RCTs with 63 effect sizes with 2,487 participants in the green tea group and 2,387 in the placebo group (group without green tea).

The participants’ mean age ranged between 18 and 68.7 years and the period of intervention ranged between 2 to 48 weeks.
Some of the studies enrolled only males or females and some of them included both genders.

TC, LDL, HDL, FBS, HbA1c and DBP-related evidence had moderate quality due to the serious inconsistency reasons. Additionally, it was shown that evidence regarding TG, fasting insulin, SBP and CRP had low quality due to serious imprecision and inconsistency reasons. The evidence relating to HOMA-IR was also downgraded to very low quality because of the serious inconsistency, imprecision and publication bias.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found green tea supplementation significantly reduced total cholesterol levels (TC) [WMD = -7.62, 95% CI = -10.51 to -4.73, p ≤ 0.001, I2 = 90.9%].
This significantly reduced effect was also found if females or both males and females were included, the dosage of supplementation was less than 1,000 mg/d, the baseline BMI was between 25-29.9 kg/m2 and the baseline value of TC was more than 200 mg/dL.

The investigators found green tea supplementation significantly reduced LDL cholesterol levels (LDL-C) [WMD = -5.80, 95% CI = -8.30 to -3.30, p ≤ 0.001, I2 = 90.5%].
This significantly reduced effect was also found if males or both males and females were included, the baseline BMI was between 25-29.9 kg/m2 and participants were not affected by T2DM.

The investigators found green tea supplementation significantly reduced fasting blood sugar levels (FBS) [WMD = -1.67, 95% CI = -2.58 to -0.75, p ≤ 0.001, I2 = 72.2%].

This significantly reduced effect was also found when the baseline BMI of participants was between 25-29.9 kg/m2, female or both male and female were included, the duration of intervention was more than 12 weeks, the dosage of supplementation was less than 1,000 mg/d and baseline values of FBS were less than 100 mg/dL.

The investigators found green tea supplementation significantly reduced HbA1c levels [WMD = -0.15, 95% CI = -0.26 to -0.04, p = 0.008, I2 = 71.3%].
This significantly reduced effect was also found if the duration of intervention was ≤ 12 weeks, the dosage of supplementation was ≥ 1,000 mg/d, baseline values of HbA1c were less than 6.5%, male or both genders were involved and the baseline value of BMI was ≥ 30 kg/m2.

The investigators found green tea supplementation significantly reduced diastolic blood pressure (DBP) [WMD = -0.87, 95% CI = -1.45 to -0.29, p = 0.003, I2 = 92.4%].
This significantly reduced effect was also found if the duration of intervention was ≤ 12 weeks, the dosage of supplementation was less than 1,000 mg/d, baseline values of DBP were more than 80 mmHg and the baseline value of BMI was ≥ 30 kg/m2.

The investigators found green tea supplementation significantly increased HDL cholesterol levels (HDL-C) [WMD = 1.85, 95% CI = 0.87 to 2.84, p = 0.010, I2 = 94.4%].
This significantly increased effect was also found if females were included, the baseline BMI was lower more than 30 kg/m2, there was no past medical history of T2DM, the duration of intervention was more than 12 weeks, the dosage of supplementation was less than 1,000 mg/d and baseline values of HDL were more than 50 mg/dL.

The investigators found sensitivity analysis showed no significant difference in results with removing one single study for all considered cardiovascular risk factors including lipid profiles, glycemic indices, SBP and DBP and CRP.

The investigators concluded drinking ≤1,000 mg/d green tea may causally improve risk factors of cardiovascular disease. May improve because the RCTs are of low quality.

Original title:
The effects of green tea supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis by Zamani M, Kelishadi MR, […], Asbaghi O.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9871939/

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Green tea causally lowers blood pressure in healthy individuals

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Objectives:
Is there a causal relationship between drinking green tea and lowering blood pressure in healthy individuals?

Study design:
This review article included 9 RCTs with 345 healty individuals in the intervention group (group with green tea) and 335 healthy individuals in the control group (group without green tea).

The mean age of the individuals in the intervention group was 35.89 ± 8.52, while the mean age of the control group was 36.48 ± 7.68.
All studies clearly described allocation randomization, none had incomplete outcome data, and all used appropriate statistical analysis.
The completion rate of the consumption of green tea ranged from 85-100%.
No publication bias was observed in the studies.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found combined results of the studies showed that green tea was effective in lowering systolic blood pressure in healthy individuals [MD = -2.99, 95% CI = -3.77 to -2.22, p 0.00001, I2 = 0%].

The investigators found combined results of the studies showed that green tea was effective in lowering diastolic blood pressure in healthy individuals [MD= -0.95, 95% CI = -1.62 to -0.27, p = 0.006, I2 = 0%]. 

The investigators concluded in healthy individuals, green tea supplementation reduces systolic blood pressure by 2.99 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 0.95 mmHg.

Original title:
Effect of Green Tea on Blood Pressure in Healthy Individuals: A Meta-Analysis by Ayaz EY, Dincer B and Mesci B.

Link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36689359/

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1-mg/day dietary heme iron intake increase cardiovascular disease mortality

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Objectives:
Many studies have investigated the association between dietary iron intake and death due to cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the results were inconsistent. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Does dietary iron intake increase risk of death due to cardiovascular disease (cardiovascular disease mortality)?

Study design:
This review article included 19 prospective cohort studies including 720,427 participants (46,045 deaths due to cardiovascular disease).

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found when comparing the highest versus lowest level, the highest level of dietary heme iron intake significantly increased risk of death due to cardiovascular disease with 19% [pooled RR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.01-1.39].

The investigators found every 1-mg/day increase in dietary heme iron intake significantly increased risk of death due to cardiovascular disease with 25% [pooled RR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.17-1.33].

The investigators found every 1-mg/day increase in dietary heme iron intake significantly increased risk of death due to stroke with 17% [pooled RR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.04-1.32].

The investigators found the association between dietary iron intake and cardiovascular disease mortality was linear [p nonlinearity > 0.05].

The investigators concluded higher dietary intake of heme iron (at least 1-mg/day) is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease mortality. Therefore, reducing consumption of heme iron may help to prevent premature death due to cardiovascular disease.

Original title:
Dietary iron intake and risk of death due to cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies by Han M, Guan L, […], Lu J.

Link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32674239/

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Food items of heme iron are:

  • Beef or chicken liver
  • Beef
  • Canned light tuna
  • Canned sardines
  • Organ meats
  • Oysters, clams, mussels
  • Poultry

>12 mg/day astaxanthin consumption causally reduce CRP levels

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Objectives:
Previous studies lack consistent conclusions as to whether astaxanthin is actually linked to various health benefits as claimed. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Is there a causal relationship between astaxanthin consumption and improvements in risk factors for diabetes or cardiovascular disease?

Study design:
This review article included 14 RCTs.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found that astaxanthin consumption was not associated with FBS, HbA1c, TC, LDL-C, TG, BMI, BW, DBP and SBP.

The investigators found that astaxanthin consumption was associated with an increase in HDL cholesterol levels [WMD = 1.473 mg/dL, 95% CI = 0.319 to 2.627, p = 0.012].

The investigators found that astaxanthin consumption during ≥12 weeks was associated with a decrease in CRP levels [WMD = -0.528 mg/L, 95% CI = -0.990 to -0.066].

The investigators found that >12 mg/day astaxanthin consumption was associated with a decrease in CRP levels [WMD = -0.389 mg/dL, 95% CI = -0.596 to -0.183].

The investigators concluded that astaxanthin consumption is causally associated with an increase in HDL cholesterol levels (good cholesterol) and a decrease in CRP levels for >12 mg/day astaxanthin consumption during ≥12 weeks. Significant associations are not observed for other outcomes.

Original title:
The effects of astaxanthin supplementation on obesity, blood pressure, CRP, glycemic biomarkers, and lipid profile: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials by Xia W, Tang N, [...], Zhu Y.

Link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32755613/

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<3 cups/d coffee is essential for the prevention of dyslipidemia

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Objectives:
Dyslipidemia is a common metabolic disease worldwide and also an important predisposing factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Coffee is loved by people all over the world; however, the association between coffee consumption and blood lipids has yielded inconsistent results. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Is there a causal relationship between coffee consumption and dyslipidemia?

Study design:
This review article included 12 RCTs.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found pooled results showed that coffee consumption significantly increased total cholesterol (TC) levels [WMD = 0.21 mmol/L, 95% CI = 0.04 to 0.39, p = 0.017].  
Significant means that there is an association with a 95% confidence.

The investigators found pooled results showed that coffee consumption significantly increased triglyceride (TG) levels [WMD = 0.12 mmol/L, 95% CI = 0.03 to 0.20, p = 0.006].  
Significant because the calculated p-value of 0.006 was less than the p-value of 0.05.

The investigators found pooled results showed that coffee consumption significantly increased LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) levels [WMD = 0.14 mmol/L, 95% CI = 0.05 to 0.24, p = 0.003].  

The investigators found pooled results showed that coffee consumption had no significant effect on HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) levels [WMD = -0.01 mmol/L, 95% CI = -0.06 to 0.04, p = 0.707].
No significant means that there is no association with a 95% confidence.

The investigators found dose-response analysis results revealed significant positive nonlinear associations between coffee consumption and the increase in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

The investigators concluded that coffee consumption is associated with an elevated risk for dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. So a reasonable habit of coffee consumption (3 cups/d) is essential for the prevention of dyslipidemia.  

Original title:
Effect of coffee consumption on dyslipidemia: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials by Du Y, Lv Y, […], Luo Q.

Link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33239163/

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Dyslipidemia is elevation of plasma cholesterol, triglycerides (TGs), or both, or a low HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) level that contributes to the development of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the main underlying cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Every 1 gram sodium increases cardiovascular disease risk by 6%

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Objectives:
Dietary sodium intake has received considerable attention as a potential risk factor of cardiovascular disease. However, evidence on the dose-response association between dietary sodium intake and cardiovascular disease risk is unclear. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Is there a dose-response association between dietary sodium intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk?

Study design:
This review article included 36 cohort studies with a total of 616,905 participants.
The duration of follow-up ranged from 2.7 years to 29 years.

For dietary sodium intake assessment, 18 of the studies were based on twenty-four urinary excretion, 7 used food frequency questionnaires, 8 used 24 h dietary recall, 2 used dietary records; 1 used a self-administered questionnaire and 1 used single spot urine sodium excretion.
The daily dietary sodium intake ranged from 1.0 to 7.5 g.

The mean score (± standard deviation) for the quality of the included studies was 8.0 ± 1.0 according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found compared with individuals with low sodium intake, individuals with high sodium intake had an 19%-higher adjusted risk of cardiovascular disease [rate ratio = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.08 to 1.30].

The investigators found in dose-response meta-analysis that the risk of cardiovascular disease significantly increased by 6% when 1 g dose of sodium was ingested [rate ratio = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.11].

The investigators concluded that high sodium intake is an important risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and in dose-response meta-analysis, every 1 g of dietary sodium intake increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by 6%.

Original title:
Dietary Sodium Intake and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis by Wang YJ, Yeh TL, [...], Chien KL.

Link:
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/10/2934/htm

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1 gram salt (sodium chloride) = 0.4 gram sodium.

A higher fish consumption reduces coronary heart disease

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Objectives:
Epidemiological studies on the impact of fish consumption on coronary heart disease (CHD) incidence have shown inconsistent results. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Does dietary intake of fish reduce coronary heart disease incidence and mortality?

Study design:
This review article included 40 prospective cohort studies (22 studies investigated the association between fish consumption and coronary heart disease incidence (28,261 persons with coronary heart disease and 918,783 participants) and 27 studies investigated the association between fish consumption and coronary heart disease mortality (10,568 events and 1,139,553 participants)).

No evidence of publication bias was found.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found higher fish consumption was significantly associated with a 9%-lower coronary heart disease risk [RR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.84 to 0.97, I2 = 47.4%].

The investigators found a significant correlation between fish consumption and coronary heart disease risk in the female subgroup [RR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.78 to 0.92, I2 = 5.6%], the subgroup with a follow-up period of ≥10 years [RR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.84 to 0.99, I2 = 51.5%] and the subgroup with an article quality of ≥7 points [RR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.83 to 0.98, I2 = 50.6%].
However, it was not found in the male subgroup, the subgroup with a follow-up period of 10 years and the subgroup with an article quality of 7 points.

The investigators found higher fish intake was significantly associated with a 15%-lower coronary heart disease mortality risk [RR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.77 to 0.94, I2 = 51.3%].

The investigators found the summary results did not change significantly in sensitivity analysis.

The investigators found dose-response analysis showed that the coronary heart disease incidence and mortality were reduced by 4%, respectively, with a 20 g/day increment in fish consumption.

The investigators concluded that a higher dietary intake of fish reduces coronary heart disease incidence and mortality. This finding has important public health implications in terms of the prevention of coronary heart disease. Since most of the research was conducted in male groups and Western countries, further research needs to be performed in female groups and other regions.

Original title:
Fish Consumption and Coronary Heart Disease: A Meta-Analysis by Zhang B, Xiong K, […], Ma A.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7468748

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In practice, higher fish consumption means at least twice a week of fish consumption (150 grams of fish at a time).

Dietary intake of vitamin B6 and folate reduces stroke

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Objectives:
Observational studies regarding the putative associations between dietary intake of homocysteine metabolism-related B-vitamins (vitamin B6, folate and vitamin B12) and stroke risk have yielded inconsistent results. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Does dietary intake of vitamin B6, folate or vitamin B12 reduce stroke risk?

Study design:
This review article included 1 nested case-control study and 11 prospective cohort studies comprising 389,938 participants and 10,749 cases (persons with stroke).

The studies were published from 2002 through to 2019 and the follow-up period ranged from 4.2 to 19 years.

All 12 studies provided risk estimates adjusted for cigarette smoking and most studies also adjusted for other conventional risk factors, including BMI, energy intake, alcohol consumption, hypertension and/or physical activity.

Study quality scores ranged from 5 to 9; the mean quality score was 7.4.

There was no evidence of publication bias.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found for the highest versus the lowest category of dietary vitamin B6 intake, a significantly reduced risk of 16% for stroke [RR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.73 to 0.97, I2 = 48.8%].

The investigators found in dose-response analysis that each 0.5 mg/d increment in vitamin B6 dietary intake was associated with a 6% reduction in the risk of stroke [RR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.89 to 0.99, I2 = 77.0%].

The investigators found for the highest versus the lowest category of dietary folate intake, a significantly reduced risk of 15% for stroke [RR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.78 to 0.94, I2 = 11.5%].

The investigators found in dose-response analysis that each 100 μg/d increase in dietary folate intake was associated with a 6% reduction in the risk of stroke [RR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.90 to 0.98, I2 = 46.8%].

The investigators found, in contrast, no significant association between dietary vitamin B12 intake and the risk of stroke, with an RR of 1.01 [95% CI = 0.97 to 1.06] per 3 μg/d increase.

The investigators concluded increased dietary intake of vitamin B6 (at least 0.5 mg/d) and dietary folate intake (at least 100 μg/d) is associated with a reduced risk of stroke, supporting the notion that increasing habitual folate and vitamin B6 intake may provide a small but beneficial effect with respect to stroke.

Original title:
Dietary Intake of Homocysteine Metabolism-Related B-Vitamins and the Risk of Stroke: A Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies by Chen L, Li Q, [...], Wang F.

Link:
https://academic.oup.com/advances/advance-article/doi/10.1093/advances/nmaa061/5854025

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A high serum vitamin C reduces blood pressure

Afbeelding

Objectives:
Hypertension is regarded as a major and independent risk factor of cardiovascular diseases and numerous studies observed an inverse correlation between vitamin C intake and blood pressure. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Does a high serum vitamin C reduce blood pressure?

Study design:
This review article included 11 cross-sectional studies and 7 case-control studies. These studies comprised 22,200 observational subjects and were conducted from the year 1990 to 2017. Of the 18 articles, 14 were published in the English language and 4 were in Chinese.

Assessed with NOS, all the case-control studies yield a high quality averaging with 7.143 scores. And the result of AHRQ indicates a moderate quality with all cross-sectional studies scoring between 4 and 7.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found random-effects model showed serum level of vitamin C of hypertensive subjects was 15.13 μmol/L lower than the normotensives [MD = -15.13, 95% CI = -24.19 to -6.06, p = 0.001, I2 = 98%].

The investigators found subgroup analysis showed that hypertensive subjects who took antihypertensive drugs had a 15.97 μmol/L lower serum vitamin C compared with normotensive ones.

The investigators found serum vitamin C had a significant inverse relation with both systolic blood pressure [Fisher′s Z = -0.17, 95% CI = -0.20 to -0.15, p 0.00001] and diastolic blood pressure [Fisher′s Z = -0.15, 95% CI = -0.20 to -0.10, p 0.00001].

The investigators concluded people with hypertension have a relatively low serum vitamin C and vitamin C is inversely associated with both systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure.

Original title:
Association between Serum Vitamin C and the Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies by Ran L, Zhao W, […], Bu H.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7211237/

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Green tea reduces blood pressure in subjects with hypertension

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Objectives:
Is there a causal relationship between black or green tea consumption and lowering blood pressure in subjects with elevated blood pressure (BP) or hypertension?
 
Study design:
This review article included 5 RCTs with 408 individuals.

None of the studies reported any side effects.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found regular tea consumption significantly reduced systolic blood pressure [WMD = -4.81 mmHg, 95% CI = -8.40 to -1.58, p = 0.004] in subjects with elevated blood pressure (BP) or hypertension.

The investigators found regular tea consumption significantly reduced diastolic blood pressure [WMD = -1.98 mmHg, 95% CI = -3.77 to -0.20, p = 0.029] in subjects with elevated blood pressure (BP) or hypertension.

The investigators found, however, excluding the most heterogeneous trials showed that regular tea intake significantly reduced systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure by about -3.53 and -0.99 mmHg, respectively.

The investigators found based on meta-regression findings, the longer the duration of tea intake (≥3 months), the higher the decrease in both systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure.

The investigators found categorized studies, according to the tea type, revealed that the hypotensive effects of green tea were more pronounced compared to black tea.

The investigators concluded regular tea consumption, particularly green tea during ≥3 months reduces systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in subjects with elevated blood pressure (BP) or hypertension. Hence, it may be applicable to physicians, health care providers and particularly hypertension patients.

Original title:
The Effects of Regular Consumption of Green or Black Tea Beverage on Blood Pressure in Those With Elevated Blood Pressure or Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis by Mahdavi-Roshan M, Salari A, […], Ashouri A.

Link:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0965229919316899?via%3Dihub

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Potassium intake from 3,128 mg per day increases blood pressure

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Objectives:
Epidemiologic studies, including trials, suggest an association between potassium intake and blood pressure (BP). However, the strength and shape of this relationship is uncertain. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

What is the strength and shape of the relationship between potassium intake and blood pressure (BP)?
 
Study design:
This review article included 32 RCTs with a duration ≥4 weeks using the recently developed 1‐stage cubic spline regression model. This model allows use of trials with at least 2 exposure categories.
Most trials were conducted in adults with hypertension using a crossover design and potassium supplementation doses that ranged from 30 to 140 mmol (1173 and 5474 mg) per day.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found a U‐shaped relationship between 24‐hour active and control arm differences in potassium excretion and blood pressure (BP) levels, with weakening of the blood pressure reduction effect above differences of 30 mmol/d and a blood pressure increase above differences ≈80 mmol/d.

The investigators found achieved potassium excretion analysis also identified a U‐shaped relationship. The blood pressure lowering effects of potassium supplementation were stronger in participants with hypertension and at higher levels of sodium intake.

The investigators found blood pressure increased with high potassium excretion in participants with antihypertensive drug‐treated hypertension but not in their untreated counterparts.

The investigators concluded that an adequate intake of potassium (≤30 mmol (1173 mg) per day) is desirable to achieve a lower blood pressure level but excessive potassium supplementation (>80 mmol (3128 mg) per day) should be avoided, particularly in specific subgroups.

Original title:
Potassium Intake and Blood Pressure: A Dose‐Response Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials by Filippini T, Naska A, […], Whelton PK.

Link:
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/JAHA.119.015719?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori%3Arid%3Acrossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub++0pubmed&

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Tomato consumption reduces bad cholesterol levels

Afbeelding

Objectives:
Is there a causal relationship between tomato consumption and lowering effects on cholesterol, triglycerides or fasting blood sugar levels?
 
Study design:
This review article included 6 RCTs.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found tomato consumption significantly reduced total plasma cholesterol levels [WMD = -4.39 mg/dL, 95% CI = -7.09 to -1.68, I2 = 48%, p = 0.05].

The investigators found tomato consumption significantly reduced plasma triglyceride (TG) levels [WMD = -3.94 mg/dL, 95% CI = -7.67 to -0.21, I2 = 90%, p = 0.001].
A higher reduction effect was found on younger participants.

The investigators found tomato consumption significantly reduced plasma LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) levels [WMD = -2.09 mg/dL, 95% CI = -3.73 to -0.81, I2 = 78%, p = 0.001].
A higher reduction effect was found on younger participants.

The investigators found tomato consumption significantly increased plasma HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) levels [WMD = 2.25 mg/dL, 95% CI = 0.41 to 4.10, I2 = 97%, p = 0.001].

The investigators found tomato consumption had no significant effect on plasma fasting blood sugar levels [WMD = 0.59 mg/dL, 95% CI = -0.28 to 1.46, I2 = 95%, p = 0.001].

The investigators concluded that tomato consumption increases plasma HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) levels and decreases plasma total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and triglyceride levels.

Original title:
Effect of Tomato Consumption on Fasting Blood Glucose and Lipid Profiles: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials by Li H, Chen, A, [...],Yin X.

Link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32243013/

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Patients with heart disease often have high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol and high triglycerides levels.

200-1500 mg/d dietary calcium intakes do not increase cardiovascular disease

Afbeelding

Objectives:
Do dietary calcium intakes or calcium supplements increase risk of cardiovascular disease?
 
Study design:
This review article included 26 prospective cohort studies and 16 RCTs.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found in cohort studies that dietary calcium intakes ranging from 200 to 1500 mg/d did not affect the risk of cardiovascular disease [relative risk = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.87 to 1.05].

The investigators found in cohort studies that dietary calcium intakes ranging from 200 to 1500 mg/d did not affect the risk of coronary heart disease [relative risk = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.88 to 1.08].

The investigators found in cohort studies that dietary calcium intakes ranging from 200 to 1500 mg/d did not affect the risk of stroke [relative risk = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.85 to 1.04].

The investigators found in RCTs that calcium supplements significantly increased risk of coronary heart disease with 20% [relative risk = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.08 to 1.33, I2 = 0.0%].

The investigators found in RCTs that calcium supplements significantly increased risk of myocardial infarction with 21% [relative risk = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.08 to 1.35, I2 = 0.0%].

The investigators concluded that 200-1500 mg/d calcium intake from dietary sources do not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, including coronary heart disease and stroke, while calcium supplements increase coronary heart disease risk, especially myocardial infarction.

Original title:
The Evidence and Controversy Between Dietary Calcium Intake and Calcium Supplementation and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies and Randomized Controlled Trials by Yang C, Shi X, […], Sun G.

Link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31625814/

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1-3 eggs/day during 3 to 12 weeks have no effect on blood pressure

Afbeelding

Objectives:
Is there a causal relationship between daily egg consumption and positive effects on blood pressure?
 
Study design:
This review article included 15 RCTs with a total of 748 participants and mean age range from 23.3 to 67.1 years old.

All included studies used whole egg as an intervention which varied from one egg/day to three eggs/day and duration of supplementation ranged from 3 to 12 weeks.

No evidence of publication bias was seen in the meta-analyse (review article) of systolic blood pressure [Begg’s p = 0.235, Eggers’s p = 0.433] and diastolic blood pressure [Begg’s p = 0.254, Eggers’s p = 0.267].

No heterogeneity was found among included studies.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found, overall, egg consumption had no significant effect on systolic blood pressure [WMD = 0.046 mmHg, 95% CI = - 0.792 to 0.884, p = 0.914, I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.453] and diastolic blood pressure [WMD = -0.603 mmHg, 95% CI = -1.521 to 0.315, p = 0.198, I2 = 38.1%, p = 0.067].
Subgroup analyses had no effect on pooled results.
Sensitivity analysis indicated that excluding each trial did not significantly change the overall observed effects of egg consumption.

The investigators found nonlinear dose-response meta-analysis did not reveal a significant effect of egg consumption [p-nonlinearity = 0.76] and study duration on diastolic blood pressure [p-nonlinearity = 0.63].

The investigators found subgroup analyses based on study design, sex, population health status, obesity and hypertension status, diet adherence, study duration and amount of egg consumption did not affect the overall effects of egg consumption on systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure values.

The investigators concluded that 1-3 eggs/day during 3 to 12 weeks have no effect on blood pressure. However, high-quality RCTs with longer durations are needed to further confirm the effects of egg consumption on blood pressure.

Original title:
Effect of Egg Consumption on Blood Pressure: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials by Kolahdouz-Mohammadi R, Malekahmadi M, […], Soltani S.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7189334/

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Alzheimer disease increases risk of hemorrhagic stroke

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Objectives:
Does Alzheimer disease increase risk of stroke?

Study design:
This review article included 8 studies, representing 121,719 individuals (Alzheimer disease = 73,044 and non-Alzheimer disease = 48,675).

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found patients with Alzheimer disease had a significantly increased risk of 42% [relative risk = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.23 to 1.64] for hemorrhagic stroke.

The investigators concluded Alzheimer disease increases risk of hemorrhagic stroke.

Original title:
Risk of hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke in patients with Alzheimer disease: A synthesis of the literature by Waziry R, Chibnik LB, […], Hofman A.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31949087

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Strawberry consumption reduces C-reactive protein levels

Afbeelding

Objectives:
Is there a causal relationship between strawberry consumption and positive effects on cardiovascular risk factors?
 
Study design:
This review article included 11 RCTs (6 for blood pressure, 7 for lipid profile, 7 for fasting blood glucose and 6 for C-reactive protein).

There was little evidence of heterogeneity in the analysis and no evidence of publication bias.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found overall, strawberry consumption significantly reduced C-reactive protein (CRP) levels by 0.63 mg/L [95% CI = -1.04 to -0.22] but did not affect blood pressure, lipid profile or fasting blood glucose in the main analyses.

The investigators found stratified by baseline endpoint levels, that strawberry consumption significantly reduced total cholesterol levels among people with baseline levels >5 mmol/L [-0.52 mmol/L, 95% CI = -088 to -0.15] and reduced LDL-cholesterol levels among people with baseline levels >3 mmol/L [-0.31 mmol/L, 95% CI = -0.60 to -0.02].

The investigators concluded strawberry consumption reduces C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and improves total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol (bad cholesterol) in individuals with high baseline levels (level at the beginning of the study).

Original title:
Effects of strawberry intervention on cardiovascular risk factors: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials by Gao Q, Qin LQ, […], Dong JY.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32238201

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100-g/d fish consumption decreases liver cancer

Afbeelding

Objectives:
Does fish consumption decrease risk of cardiovascular disease, depression, mortality and cancer?
 
Study design:
This review article included a total of 34 meta-analyses of prospective observational studies, reporting summary relative risks (SRR) for 40 different outcomes obtained from 298 primary prospective cohort studies.

The summary relative risk (SRR) for each meta-analysis was recalculated by using a random-effects model.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found moderate-quality evidence showed that each 100-g/d increment in fish consumption was associated with a 8% lower risk of all-cause mortality [SRR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.87 to 0.97].

The investigators found moderate-quality evidence showed that each 100-g/d increment in fish consumption was associated with a 25% lower risk of cardiovascular mortality [SRR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.65 to 0.87].

The investigators found moderate-quality evidence showed that each 100-g/d increment in fish consumption was associated with a 12% lower risk of coronary heart disease [SRR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.79 to 0.99].

The investigators found moderate-quality evidence showed that each 100-g/d increment in fish consumption was associated with a 25% lower risk of myocardial infarction [SRR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.65 to 0.93].

The investigators found moderate-quality evidence showed that each 100-g/d increment in fish consumption was associated with a 14% lower risk of stroke [SRR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.75 to 0.99].

The investigators found moderate-quality evidence showed that each 100-g/d increment in fish consumption was associated with a 20% lower risk of heart failure [SRR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.67 to 0.95].

The investigators found moderate-quality evidence showed that each 100-g/d increment in fish consumption was associated with a 12% lower risk of depression [SRR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.79 to 0.98].

The investigators found moderate-quality evidence showed that each 100-g/d increment in fish consumption was associated with a 35% lower risk of liver cancer [SRR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.48 to 0.87].

The investigators concluded evidence of moderate quality shows that 100-g/d fish consumption is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, depression, mortality and liver cancer and therefore, can be considered as a healthy animal-based dietary source of protein. Further research is needed for outcomes for which the quality of the evidence was rated low and very low, considering types of fish consumed, different methods of cooking fish and all potential confounding variables.

Original title:
Fish Consumption and the Risk of Chronic Disease: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses of Prospective Cohort Studies by Jayedi A and Shab-Bidar S.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32207773

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Yogurt intake is associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes

Afbeelding

Objectives:
Do fermented dairy foods and probiotics supplementation improve risk factors (such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, cholesterol) of cardiovascular diseases?

Study design:
This review article included 20 prospective cohort studies and 52 RCTs.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found in prospective cohort studies, that fermented milk was associated with a 4% reduction in risk of stroke, ischemic heart disease and cardiovascular mortality [RR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.94 to 0.98].

The investigators found in prospective cohort studies, that yogurt intake was associated with a risk reduction of 27% [RR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.70 to 0.76] for type 2 diabetes.

The investigators found in prospective cohort studies, that yogurt intake was associated with a risk reduction of 20% [RR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.74 to 0.87] for metabolic syndrome development.

The investigators found in RCTs, that probiotic supplementation added into dairy matrices produced a greater reduction in lipid biomarkers than when added into capsules/powder in hypercholesterolemic subjects.

The investigators found in RCTs, that probiotic supplementation by capsules/powder produced a greater reduction in type 2 diabetes biomarkers than when added into dairy matrices in diabetic subjects.

The investigators found in RCTs, that probiotic supplementation by both treatments (dairy matrix and capsules/powder) resulted in a significant reduction in anthropometric parameters in obese subjects.

The investigators concluded fermented milk consumption is associated with reduced cardiovascular risk, while yogurt intake is associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome development in the general population. Furthermore, probiotic supplementation added into dairy matrices is beneficial for lowering lipid concentrations and reduce anthropometric parameters. Additionally, probiotic capsule/powder supplementation contributes to type 2 diabetes management and reduces anthropometric parameters. However, these results should be interpreted with caution due to the heterogeneity of the studies and the different probiotic strains used in the studies.

Original title:
Fermented Dairy Products, Probiotic Supplementation, and Cardiometabolic Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis by Companys J, Pla-Pagà L, […], Valls RM.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32277831

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Daily 1 cup tea decreases all-cause mortality among elderly

Afbeelding

Objectives:
Does tea consumption decrease risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality among adults?
 
Study design:
This review article included 39 prospective cohort studies.

Strength of evidence was rated as low and moderate (depending on study population age group) for cardiovascular disease-specific mortality outcome and was rated as low for cardiovascular disease events, stroke and all-cause mortality outcomes.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found linear meta-regression showed that each cup (236.6 mL) increase in daily tea consumption (estimated 280 mg and 338 mg total flavonoids/d for black and green tea, respectively) was associated with an average 4% lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality, a 2% lower risk of cardiovascular disease events, a 4% lower risk of stroke and a 1.5% lower risk of all-cause mortality.

The investigators found subgroup meta-analysis showed that each cup (236.6 mL) increase in daily tea consumption (estimated 280 mg and 338 mg total flavonoids/d for black and green tea, respectively) was associated with a 11% [pooled adjusted RR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.83 to 0.96, p = 0.001, I2 = 72.4%, n = 4] lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality in elderly individuals.

The investigators found subgroup meta-analysis showed that each cup (236.6 mL) increase in daily tea consumption (estimated 280 mg and 338 mg total flavonoids/d for black and green tea, respectively) was associated with a 8% [pooled adjusted RR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.90 to 0.94, p 0.0001, I2 = 0.3%, n = 3] lower risk of all-cause mortality in elderly individuals.

The investigators found, generally, studies with higher risk of bias appeared to show larger magnitudes of associations than studies with lower risk of bias.

The investigators concluded that daily a cup (236.6 mL) of tea (estimated 280 mg and 338 mg total flavonoids/d for black and green tea, respectively) is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality among elderly individuals.

Original title:
Dose-Response Relation between Tea Consumption and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and All-Cause Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Population-Based Studies by Chung M, Zhao N, […], Wallace TC.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32073596

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Flaxseed supplementation decreases plasma lipoprotein(a) levels

Afbeelding

Objectives:
Does flaxseed supplementation decrease plasma lipoprotein(a) levels?

Study design:
This review article included 7 RCTs with 629 individuals.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found flaxseed supplementation significantly reduced plasma lipoprotein(a) levels [MD = -2.06 mg/dL, 95% CI = -3.846 to -0.274, p = 0.024, I2 = 0%, p = 0.986].

The investigators found subgroup analysis also revealed that longer duration only showed significant lowering effect of flaxseed supplementation on plasma lipoprotein(a) levels.

The investigators concluded that long duration of flaxseed supplementation decreases plasma lipoprotein(a) levels. However, future well-designed and long-term clinical trials are required to confirm these results.

Original title:
Impact of flaxseed supplementation on plasma lipoprotein(a) concentrations: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials by Hadi A, Askarpour M, […], Ghavami A.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32073724

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Lipoprotein(a) is a risk factor for atherosclerosis and related diseases, such as coronary heart disease and stroke.

 

Vitamin C supplements during ≥6 weeks reduce blood pressure

Afbeelding

Objectives:
Vitamin C as a supplement to treat hypertension has been proposed. However, it remains controversial whether vitamin C can improve blood pressure in patients with primary hypertension. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Do vitamin C supplements reduce blood pressure in patients with primary hypertension?

Study design:
This review article included 8 RCTs involving 614 participants.
There was no publication bias.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found vitamin C supplements significantly reduced systolic blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension [WMD  = -4.09, 95% CI = -5.56 to -2.62, p 0 .001, I2  =  35%, p = 0.15].

The investigators found vitamin C supplements significantly reduced diastolic blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension [WMD  = -2.30, 95% CI = -4.27 to -0.331, p  = 0 .02, I2 = 75%, p = 0 .0002].

The investigators found vitamin C supplements significantly reduced systolic blood pressure for the subgroup with an age ≥60 years and that with ≥35 participants [WMD = -3.75, 95% CI = -6.24 to -1.26, p  = 0 .003].

The investigators found vitamin C supplements significantly reduced diastolic blood pressure for the subgroup with an age ≥60 years and that with ≥35 participants [WMD = -3.29, 95% CI = -5.98 to -0.60, p  = 0 .02].

The investigators found in the subgroup analysis that vitamin C supplements during ≥6 weeks significantly reduced systolic blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension [WMD = -4.77, 95% CI = -6.46 to -3.08, p   0 .001].

The investigators found in the subgroup analysis that ≥500 mg/d vitamin C supplements significantly reduced systolic blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension [WMD  =  -5.01, 95% CI = -8.55 to -1.48, p  = 0.005, I2  =  44%, p =  0.13].

The investigators concluded ≥500 mg/d vitamin C supplements during ≥6 weeks reduce blood pressure in patients with primary hypertension. However, in view of the current level of evidence, large-scale trials should be conducted and attention should be paid to the evaluation of blood pressure variability.

Original title:
Effects of vitamin C supplementation on essential hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis by Guan Y, Dai P and Wang H.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7034722/

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Quercetin supplements decrease triglycerides levels

Objectives:
Clinical trials examining the cardiovascular protective effects of quercetin in humans have reported conflicting results. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Do quercetin supplements reduce plasma lipid levels and blood pressure?

Study design:
This review article included 17 RCTs with a total of 896 participants.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found pooled results showed that quercetin supplements significantly lowered both systolic blood pressure [WMD = -3.09 mmHg, 95% CI = -4.59 to -1.59, p = 0.0001] and diastolic blood pressure [WMD = -2.86 mmHg, 95% CI = -5.09 to -0.63, p = 0.01].
Neither lipid profiles nor glucose concentrations changed significantly.

The investigators found in subgroup analyses, significant changes in high-density lipoprotein (HDL or good) cholesterol and triglycerides were observed in trials with a parallel design and in which participants consumed quercetin for 8 weeks or more.

The investigators concluded quercetin supplements decrease blood pressure in humans. Moreover, participants who consume quercetin for 8 weeks or more show significantly changed levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (good cholesterol) and triglycerides in trials with a parallel design.  

Original title:
Effect of quercetin supplementation on plasma lipid profiles, blood pressure, and glucose levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis by Huang H, Liao D, [...], Pu R.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31940027

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