The effect of almonds consumption on blood pressure: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized control trials

Abstract

Almond is rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals such as methylquercetin, protocatechuic acid, catechin, flavonoids, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, resveratrol, vanillic acid, and kaempferol. The aim of the present study was to systematically review and dose-response meta-analyses the effects of almond consumption on systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP), respectively, in Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). A systematic search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, web of sciences and SCOPUS by 2 researchers, independently to identify randomised controlled trials up to July 2019. There were no time or language restrictions. PRISMA guidelines were followed in conducting this meta-analysis. Fifteen studies with 21 arms, containing 853 participants, reported SBP as an outcome measure. Pooled results showed significant reduction in SBP (WMD: −0.90 mmHg, 95% CI: −1.74, −0.06, Pheterogeneity = 0.94) by almond intervention. There is no significant effect from almond consumption on DBP (WMD: 0.67 mmHg, 95% CI: −1.93, 0.60, Pheterogeneity = 0.001). Meta-regression analysis showed dose of used almond (g/d) as source of heterogeneity between results of DBP. In conclusion results of this meta-analysis showed reduce effect of Almonds on systolic blood pressure. Keywords: Almond, Systolic blood pressure, Diastolic blood pressure, Meta-analysis