Nutrition reviews | 2021
Lipid-modifying effects of lean fish and fish-derived protein consumption in humans: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Abstract
CONTEXT\nConsumption of lean fish and fish-derived proteins were effective for improving lipid profiles in published studies; however, evidence remains inconclusive.\n\n\nOBJECTIVE\nTo evaluate the effectiveness of lean fish or fish-derived protein on serum/plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels by conducting a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis of available randomized controlled trials (RCTs).\n\n\nDATA SOURCES\nMedline (Ovid), Scopus, CINAHL, and Food and Nutritional Sciences databases were searched from the start date of each database to September 2019 to identify RCTs determining the effect of lean fish on lipid profile.\n\n\nSTUDY SELECTION INCLUDED\nRCTs investigated lean fish and fish-derived proteins intake and determined at least 1 major lipid or lipoprotein measurement.\n\n\nDATA EXTRACTION\nTwo reviewers independently evaluated 1217 studies against the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Relevant studies were assessed for risks of bias, and random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to generate average estimates of effect.\n\n\nRESULTS\nA total of 24 studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis of data from 18 to 21 eligible crossover and parallel-design RCTs with a total of 1392 to 1456 participants found triacylglycerol-lowering effects for lean fish compared with no fish consumption. Lean fish intake showed no significant differences related to total cholesterol or lipoprotein levels. Subanalysis showed that parallel-group RCTs tended to find greater reduction effects on circulating triacylglycerol than did crossover RCTs.\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nAdditional better-designed, longer, and larger RCTs, particularly crossover RCTs, are needed to clarify the impact of lean fish and fish proteins on the serum/plasma lipid profile. Findings from such studies would enable practitioners to provide their patients evidence-based recommendations to meet the American Heart Association guidelines for fish consumption to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.