Efficacy of flavonoids-containing supplements on insulin resistance and associated metabolic risk factors in overweight and obese subjects: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 25 randomized controlled trials

Study answer

What this study found

Overall, flavonoids-containing supplements improved insulin resistance and several cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese adults. HOMA-IR decreased modestly versus control (WMD = -0.13, 95% CI: -0.24 to -0.03; p = 0.013), with a stronger effect for flavonoid mixtures (WMD = -0.25, 95% CI: -0.43 to -0.06; p = 0.008) and no clear benefit for single flavonoids (WMD = -0.08, 95% CI: -0.20 to 0.05; p = 0.240). Fasting glucose, fasting insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, BMI, and waist-hip ratio also improved, while QUICKI did not show a clear overall…

Study & population

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 25 randomized controlled trials including 1950 overweight or obese adults.

Intervention

Oral flavonoids-containing supplements were tested in varied forms, including capsules, tablets, beverages, and powders, with doses and durations differing by product.

Key limitation

The evidence base was limited by small, heterogeneous trials with varying flavonoid sources, doses, formulations, and treatment durations.

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Original abstract