Does Flavonoid Supplementation Alleviate Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

SCOPE: Higher flavonoid intake is associated with reduced risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, there is a large discrepancy in the effects of flavonoid supplementation on NAFLD. To fill such knowledge gap, we systematically reviewed randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to critically assess flavonoid supplementation effect on liver function, lipid profile, inflammation, and insulin resistance in adults with NAFLD. METHODS AND RESULTS: A systematic search was conducted from 4 databases from inception until May 2023. Twelve RCTs were included in the final analysis demonstrating beneficial effects of flavonoids on ALT (SMD = -3.59, p = 0.034), AST (SMD = -4.47, p = 0.001), GGT (SMD = -8.70, p = 0.000), CK-18M30 (SMD = -0.35, p = 0.042), TG (SMD = -0.37, p = 0.001), LDL-C (SMD = -0.38, p = 0.039), TC (MD = -0.25 mmol/l, p = 0.017), steatosis score (MD = -18.97, p = 0.30), TNF-α (MD = -0.88, p = 0.000), and NF-κB (MD = -1.62, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggests that flavonoid alleviates NAFLD through exerting favourable effects on liver function, lipid profile, and inflammation, indicating flavonoid supplementation presents a promising drug regimen for the management of NAFLD and its associated complications.

Does chronic consumption of orange juice improve cardiovascular risk factors in overweight and obese adults? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent the leading cause of mortality worldwide. As a complex matrix of micronutrients, phytochemicals and sugars, the effects of orange juice (OJ) on CVD risk factors in overweight and obese adults warrant investigation. Hence, this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluated the effect of chronic OJ consumption on the lipid profile, blood pressure, glycemic indices and inflammatory biomarkers in overweight and obese adults. Four databases were searched from inception until May 2022 and eight studies were included in the final analysis. Pooled results demonstrated the beneficial effect of OJ on systolic blood pressure (MD: -0.98 mmHg, 95% CI [-1.52, -0.44], p = 0.000, I2 = 0.0%) and HDL-C (SMD: 0.29, 95% CI [0.03, 0.54], p = 0.027, I2 = 0.0%) compared to the control group. However, total cholesterol, TG, LDL-C, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR and CRP did not change following chronic OJ consumption. This meta-analysis demonstrates the beneficial effects of chronic OJ consumption on blood pressure and HDL-C in overweight and obese adults.

Effects of protein supplementation and exercise on delaying sarcopenia in healthy older individuals in Asian and non-Asian countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

While there is growing research interest in the effects of nutrition and exercise on delaying sarcopenia, the results are inconclusive and there is scarce information on regional patterns. This review evaluated the effects of the combination of protein supplementation and exercise on muscle strength, mass and physical performance, compared to exercise alone or with a placebo, in healthy older adults in Asian and non-Asian countries. Fourteen studies were included in the analysis, involving a total of 888 healthy older adults (>60 years). A significant increase in the lower-extremity strength was observed in the combined intervention group compared to the exercise group in Asian countries (SMD: 0.24, 95% CI [0.00, 0.47], p = 0.048, I2 = 0.0%). No statistical differences were found relating to upper-extremity strength, muscle mass and physical performance. Protein supplementation combined with exercise provides additional benefit on lower-extremity strength in healthy older adults with sarcopenia in Asian countries.