Impact of strawberry consumption on blood pressure in adults: GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of data from randomized controlled trials.

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) consumption on systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP).

Materials and methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched to find relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Meta-analysis was carried out by using the random effect model, and the I² index was used to assess heterogeneity among included trials.

Results: Out of the 81 studies obtained, eight were eligible to be included in this review. The pooled effect size of 12 effect sizes indicated that strawberry consumption had no significant effect on SBP (WMD: 0.96 mmHg, 95% CI -0.26 to 2.20, p = 0.12), or DBP levels (WMD: -0.33 mmHg, 95% CI -1.31 to 0.65, p = 0.50). Subgroup analysis showed that consumption of freeze-dried strawberry powder at a dose of ≤ 25 g/day or strawberry intake in people under the age of 50 significantly increased SBP levels. Also, strawberry intake in individuals aged 50 or older led to a significant decrease in DBP levels.

Conclusion: This review suggests that strawberry consumption may not be an effective strategy for hypertension management. However, more RCTs are needed to draw a definite conclusion.