Effects of nut consumption on selected inflammatory markers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Yunjun Xiao, Junjie Xia, Yuebin Ke, Jinquan Cheng, Jianhui Yuan, Shuang Wu, Ziquan Lv, Suli Huang, Jean H. Kim, Samuel Yeung shan Wong, Eng kiong Yeoh, Graham A. Colditz, Xuefen Su

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have assessed the effects of nut consumption on inflammatory markers. However, the results have been inconsistent. The aim of this meta-analysis of RCTs was to quantitatively evaluate the effects of nut consumption on selected inflammatory markers. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library database, and Google Scholar were searched for published RCTs that reported the effects of nuts on inflammatory markers as primary or secondary outcomes in an adult population (aged ≥18 y). Summary estimates of weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects meta-analysis. Results: Twenty-three RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Overall, nut consumption significantly reduced the levels of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 (WMD, −0.17; 95% CI, −0.32 to −0.03; P = 0.01), but had no significant effect on other inflammatory markers. In the subgroup analyses by nut types, mixed nuts had a significant effect on ICAM-1 reduction. The significant effect of nuts on ICAM-1 reduction was only observed in parallel, but not crossover RCTs. Additionally, nut consumption significantly reduced ICAM-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 levels in long-term (≥12 wk), but not short-term (<12 wk) RCTs. No significant heterogeneity or publication bias was observed in the studies included. Conclusions: Nut consumption significantly reduced ICAM-1 levels, but had no effect on other inflammatory markers. More studies are needed to assess the effects of nuts on inflammation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)129-143
Number of pages15
JournalNutrition
Volume54
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2018

Keywords

  • Inflammatory markers
  • Intercellular adhesion molecule
  • Meta-analysis
  • Nut consumption
  • Randomized controlled trials

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