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

Abstract

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.