Impact of phytosterol supplementation on metabolic syndrome factors: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND

Phytosterols (PSs), plant-like organic structures with close similarity to cholesterol, might be useful therapeutically for hypertension, central obesity, dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia, which are components of metabolic syndrome (MetS). This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of phytosterol supplementation on MetS components in randomized clinical trials (RCTs).

METHODS

A systematic search of RCTs published in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar up to October 18, 2023. was conducted according to the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items of the Guidelines for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) statement. The research was updated by January 3, 2025. A total of 14 RCTS of PS intervention on MetS factor were included in a preliminary screening of the retrieved literature by Endnote 21. We assessed the quality of all included randomized controlled trials using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool.

RESULTS

PS supplementation resulted in a modest improvement in MetS factors. In particular, fasting blood glucose decreased by about 2%, systolic blood pressure decreased by 3-5%, and triglyceride levels dropped by 19-24%. Waist circumference and HDL cholesterol changes were slight, negligible in most cases.

CONCLUSION

PS supplementation appears to improve blood pressure, triglyceride levels, and other features of MetS. These findings differ from study to study, and treatment periods were frequently shorter. To fully comprehend the long-term advantages, further well-designed research is required.