The Effects of Cranberry Consumption on Glycemic and Lipid Profiles in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

2024-03-09
Nutrients 16(6)
- Xiangrui Li
- Wenqing Chen
- Jiayue Xia
- Da Pan
- Guiju Sun

PubMed: 38542695
DOI: 10.3390/nu16060782

Study Design

Type: Meta-Analysis
Methods: Meta-analysis of 16 studies; PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus search up to December 2023; Stata 15.0 and Review Manager 5.4 for statistical analyses

Rigorous Journal

This study aims to update the evidence and clarify whether cranberry possesses lipid-lowering and hypoglycemic properties in humans. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched to identify relevant articles published up to December 2023. In total, 3145 publications were reviewed and 16 of them were included for qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis. Stata 15.0 and Review Manager 5.4 were applied for statistical analyses. The results revealed a significant decrease in the total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TC/HDL-C) (MD = -0.24; 95% CI: -0.45, -0.04; p_effect = 0.02) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (MD = -0.59; 95% CI: -1.05, -0.14; p_effect = 0.01) with cranberry consumption. However, it did not influence total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and fasting insulin. In subgroup analysis, cranberry consumption in dried form (capsules, powder, and tablets) was found to significantly decrease the fasting insulin level (three studies, one hundred sixty-five participants, MD = -2.16; 95% CI: -4.24, -0.07; p_effect = 0.04), while intervention duration, health conditions, and dosage of polyphenols and anthocyanins had no impact on blood lipid and glycemic parameters. In summary, cranberry might have potential benefits in regulating lipid and glucose profiles.

Research Insights

Cranberry→Increased HDL Cholesterol
it did not influence ... high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Cranberry→Reduced Blood Cholesterol
it did not influence total cholesterol (TC)
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Cranberry→Reduced Fasting Blood Glucose Levels
it did not influence ... fasting blood glucose (FBG)
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Cranberry→Reduced HOMA-IR
homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (MD = -0.59; 95% CI: -1.05, -0.14; p_effect = 0.01) with cranberry consumption.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Cranberry→Reduced Hemoglobin A1c
it did not influence ... glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Cranberry→Reduced Insulin Levels
it did not influence ... fasting insulin
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Cranberry→Reduced LDL Cholesterol
it did not influence ... low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Cranberry→Reduced Total Cholesterol to HDL Cholesterol Ratio
The results revealed a significant decrease in the total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TC/HDL-C) (MD = -0.24; 95% CI: -0.45, -0.04; p_effect = 0.02)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Cranberry→Reduced Triglyceride Levels
it did not influence ... triglyceride (TG)
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small