Supplementation with blueberry shows a potential for beneficial impact on reducing body weight, which might indirectly influence cardiovascular disease risk factors.
The methodology involved searching various digital databases such as ISI Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane Library in March 2020. The researchers looked for all randomized and controlled clinical trials that used blueberry supplements to modify cardiovascular disease risk factors. Inclusion criteria were not restricted by language. References lists from primary studies and review articles were also checked for any additional studies.
The results showed that although blueberry supplementation had a small, insignificant effect in reducing plasma triglycerides, there were no differences found between blueberry and control groups for any other cardiovascular disease risk outcomes. However, subgroup analysis indicated a potential favorable impact of blueberry on reducing body weight. It was found that studies lasting longer than 6 weeks or those that used blueberry powder or freeze-dried blueberry were indicative of significant weight loss.
