Key result
Blueberry consumption significantly improved flow-mediated dilation by 1.50% and reactive hyperemia index by 0.26 compared to control in adults.
Why the study?
Blueberry benefits cardiovascular function, but its specific effect on endothelial function remains unclear.
Does blueberry consumption improve endothelial function and blood pressure in adults?
Meta-Analysis (n=400)
Does blueberry consumption improve endothelial function and blood pressure in adults?
Mean Difference: 1.5 (95% CI 0.81–2.2)
Blueberry consumption significantly improves endothelial function and diastolic blood pressure, with notable blood pressure reductions in smokers, suggesting a potential dietary intervention for cardiovascular health.
Supports blueberry intake as a dietary strategy for endothelial function and diastolic BP; extends meta-analytic evidence on flavonoid interventions in CV prevention.
Introduction: Endothelial dysfunction indicates blood vessel injury and is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Blueberry has been approved for its benefits on human health, especially on cardiovascular function. However, its effect on endothelial function remains unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the impact of blueberries on endothelial function in adults. Methods: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, 16 studies were included in the systematic review, and 11 were used for the meta-analysis. Data associated with endothelial function were extracted and pooled as mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Blueberry consumption significantly improved flow-mediated dilation (FMD) by 1.50% (95% CI: 0.81, 2.20; I 2 = 87%) and reactive hyperemia index (RHI) by 0.26 (95% CI: 0.09, 0.42; I 2 = 72%). A significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was also observed (MD: −2.20 mm Hg; 95% CI: −4.13, −0.27; I 2 = 11%). Subgroup analysis indicated a significant decrease in blood pressure (Systolic blood pressure [SBP]: −3.92 mmHg; 95% CI: −6.88, −0.97; I 2 = 20% and DBP: −2.20 mmHg; 95% CI: −4.13, −0.27; I 2 = 11%) in the smoking population. However, SBP levels (MD: −1.43 mm Hg; 95% CI: −3.11, 0.26; I 2 = 20%) and lipid status (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]: 0.06; 95% CI: −0.04, 0.16; I 2 = 77%; low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C]: 0.05; 95% CI: −0.14, 0.24; I 2 = 0%) did not significantly improve. Conclusion: Blueberry intervention improved endothelial function and DBP. Subgroup analysis revealed a notable improvement in blood pressure among the smoking population. However, no significant effects were observed on SBP, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels. Future research should delve into the mechanisms of endothelial improvement and verify blood pressure reduction in specific subpopulations through large-scale trials. Clinical Trial Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ , Identifier CRD42023491277.
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Deng et al. (2024) conducted a meta-analysis in Endothelial dysfunction (n=400). Blueberry consumption vs. Control/Placebo was evaluated on Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) (MD 1.50, 95% CI 0.81, 2.20). Blueberry consumption significantly improved flow-mediated dilation by 1.50% and reactive hyperemia index by 0.26 compared to control in adults.
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