Nutr Rev. 2025 Sep 7:nuaf153. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuaf153. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
CONTEXT: Cardiovascular protective properties of berries have been reported in numerous studies. Berries and their bioactive compounds may also be effective for improving body composition and anthropometric indices.
OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis were aimed to investigate the effect of berries on anthropometric markers.
DATA SOURCES: A systematic search for studies published before June 2024 was conducted in 4 electronic databases-PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar-to find randomized controlled trials that used berries or their extract as the intervention.
DATA EXTRACTION: Data from 42 intervention arms from 38 studies were included in the analysis.
DATA ANALYSIS: The meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant decrease in body mass index (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -0.13 [95% CI, -0.22 to -0.04]; P = .004) and in body fat percentage (WMD = -0.50 [95% CI, -0.77 to -0.23]; P = .000) and body fat mass (WMD = -0.67 [95% CI, -1.19 to -0.16]; P = .010). No significant changes were observed in weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, or fat-free mass.
CONCLUSION: The results indicate the potential of berries to improve body mass index and body fat percentage; however, due to limited data, more well-designed studies are recommended.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration No. CRD42024556011.
PMID:40914881 | DOI:10.1093/nutrit/nuaf153
