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Can different types of tree nuts and peanuts induce varied effects on specific blood lipid parameters? A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

  • 2023-12-28
  • Critical reviews in food science and nutrition 65(8)
    • Isabel Antonia Martínez-Ortega
    • Arthur Eumann Mesas
    • Bruno Bizzozero-Peroni
    • Miriam Garrido-Miguel
    • Estela Jiménez-López
    • Vicente Martínez-Vizcaíno
    • Rubén Fernández-Rodríguez

Study Design

Type
Systematic Review
Sample size
n = 76
Methods
Systematic search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), frequentist network meta-analysis (NMA), and estimation of SUCRA values.
Tree nuts and peanuts have shown cardioprotective effects through the modulation of blood lipid levels. Despite the abundance of scientific evidence available, it remains uncertain whether the type of nut consumed influences these changes. The objective of this study was to evaluate and rank the effects of six types of nuts on total cholesterol (total-c), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c), triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c) levels through a systematic search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), a frequentist network meta-analysis (NMA), and the estimation of SUCRA values. A total of 76 RCTs were ultimately analyzed. The total c for pistachios, almond, and walnuts; LDL-c for cashews, walnuts, and almond; and TG for hazelnuts and walnuts significantly decreased, while only peanuts exhibited a significant increase in HDL-c levels. According to the rankings, the most effective type of nut for reducing total cholesterol was pistachio, cashew for LDL-c, hazelnut for TG, and peanut for increasing HDL-c levels. It should be noted that every type of nut analyzed exhibited a significant positive impact on some parameters, and specific types demonstrated enhanced advantages for particular blood lipids. These results endorse the use of personalized nutritional strategies to address and prevent dyslipidemia.Registration: PROSPERO database CRD42021270779.

Research Insights

  • Almond→Reduced Blood Cholesterol

    The total c for pistachios, almond, and walnuts; LDL-c for cashews, walnuts, and almond; and TG for hazelnuts and walnuts significantly decreased, while only peanuts exhibited a significant increase in HDL-c levels.

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Small
  • Almond→Reduced LDL Cholesterol

    The total c for pistachios, almond, and walnuts; LDL-c for cashews, walnuts, and almond; and TG for hazelnuts and walnuts significantly decreased, while only peanuts exhibited a significant increase in HDL-c levels.

    Effect
    Beneficial
    Effect size
    Small
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