The long-term and post-prandial effects of berry consumption on endothelial dysfunction in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the long-term and post-prandial effects of berry consumption on endothelial dysfunction (ED) in adults. To identify relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs), a systematic search was run and studies that examined the effects of berries consumption on ED markers were included. A total of 45 RCTs were included, focusing on markers such as flow-mediated dilation (FMD), pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx), reactive hyperaemia index (RHI) and total peripheral resistance (TPR). The meta-analysis revealed that long-term berry consumption significantly increased FMD and decreased PWV. However, no significant effects were found for AIx, RHI or TPR. In post-prandial studies, berry consumption also improved FMD, but had no significant impact on PWV, AIx or RHI. Overall, berries were found to benefit endothelial function, particularly in improving FMD, though the effects on other cardiovascular markers were less consistent. Factors like trial design and berry type influenced outcomes.

Keywords: Berries; endothelial dysfunction; meta-analysis; randomised clinical trial.