The effect of Aronia consumption on lipid profile, blood pressure, and biomarkers of inflammation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials: effect of Aronia on lipid profile

Plant derivatives, such as anthocyanin‐rich phytochemicals, have been reported to elicit a positive effect on lipid profile. Therefore, the aim of this study was to systematically review and meta‐analyze the effects of Aronia consumption on lipid profiles, blood pressure, and biomarkers of inflammation in randomized controlled trials. A systematic search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, and SCOPUS up to December 2018. Seven studies were identified and analyzed in this meta‐analysis. Our study found a significant increase in high‐density lipoprotein (HDL; weighted mean difference [WMD]: 1.48 mg/dl, 95% confidence interval, CI, [1.29, 1.68]) and diastolic blood pressure (WMD: 2.55 mmHg, 95% CI [0.63, 4.47]) following Aronia consumption. There was no significant effect on systolic blood pressure and C‐reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukin‐1. Furthermore, subgroup analysis showed that cholesterol (WMD: −7.18, 95% CI [−13.90, −0.46]) and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL; WMD: −5.84, 95% CI [−6.91, −4.77]) decreased more significantly in interventions less than 10 weeks in duration. Dose–response analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in triglyceride levels when dose of Aronia was increased to 300 mg/day. In conclusion, the results demonstrated a significant increase in HDL and reduction in total cholesterol and LDL among patients supplementing with Aronia.