The Effect of Dietary Pulses on Lipids in Controlled Feeding Trials: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Background Although there is evidence from controlled feeding trials that dietary pulses (beans, peas, chickpeas, and lentils) may benefit lipid control, cardiovascular guidelines have not addressed dietary pulses in their recommendations. Aim A systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted to assess the effect of dietary pulses on established therapeutic lipid targets for cardiovascular risk reduction. Methods We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and CINAHL databases through June 13 2011 and included human trials of at least 3 weeks in duration. Data were pooled by the generic inverse variance method using random effects models and expressed as mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity was assessed (Chi2) and quantified (I2). Study quality was assessed using the Heyland Methodological Quality Score (MQS). Results 24 isocaloric trials (n= 808) met the inclusion criteria. Diets supplemented with dietary pulses significantly lowered LDL‐C levels (MD= −0.22 [95% CI: −0.32, −0.12]) and non‐HDL‐C (MD= −0.24 [95% CI: −0.37, −0.11]) compared with isocaloric control diets. No significant effects were observed for TC:HDL, ApoB, and ApoB:ApoA. Limitation The majority of trials were of low quality. Conclusions Pooled analyses demonstrated that dietary pulses significantly improved LDL‐C and non‐HDL levels. Funding: Pulse Canada, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers Grant Funding Source : ASN