Consumption of pistachio nuts positively affects lipid profiles: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effects of consuming pistachio nuts on lipid profiles (total cholesterol [TC], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], and triglyceride [TG]). Databases of PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to June 2019 to identify RCTs documenting the effects of consuming pistachio nuts on blood lipid profiles in adults. Effect sizes were reported as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using the random-effects models (DerSimonian-Laird method). Twelve eligible RCTs were included. Consumption of pistachio nuts decreased TC (WMD: −7.48 mg/dL; 95% CI, −12.62 to −2.34), LDL-C (WMD: −3.82 mg/dL; 95% CI, −5.49 to −2.16) and TG (WMD: −11.19 mg/dL; 95% CI, −14.21 to −8.17) levels. However, HDL-cholesterol levels (WMD: 2.45 mg/dL; 95% CI, −2.44 to 7.33) did not change following pistachio consumption. Consuming pistachio nuts may improve lipid profiles (TC, LDL-C, TG) in adults and may be protective against cardiometabolic diseases. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm these results.