Study Title
Relationships between sodium, fats, and carbohydrates on blood pressure, cholesterol, and HbA1c: an umbrella review of systematic reviews.
Principal Investigator
Penny Breeze, Katie Sworn, Ellen McGrane, Sarah Abraham, Anna Cantrell.
Affiliation
University of Sheffield, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg.
Start Date
16 May 2023.
End Date
6 December 2023.
Study Objective
To describe the relationships between sodium, fats, and carbohydrates on blood pressure, cholesterol, and HbA1c, providing a comprehensive summary of evidence from randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses.
Short Abstract
This umbrella review brings together evidence from systematic reviews to explore the effects of sodium, fats, and carbohydrates on key cardiometabolic risk factors, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and HbA1c. Forty-three systematic reviews were included, showing that sodium, fats, and carbohydrates significantly impact these markers, with varying degrees of certainty in the evidence. The review identifies multiple relationships and gaps in the existing literature, highlighting areas for further investigation.
Study Design
Umbrella review of systematic reviews focusing on randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses of nutrient intake and its effects on blood pressure, cholesterol, and HbA1c.
Population
Adults from various studies included in systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
Sample Size
43 systematic reviews included in the analysis.
Inclusion Criteria
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials that assessed the effects of sodium, carbohydrates, or fats on blood pressure, cholesterol, and HbA1c.
Exclusion Criteria
Observational cohort studies were excluded to reduce bias, and individual food products (e.g., nuts, meat, eggs) were not included to focus on nutrient effects rather than specific foods.
Intervention/Exposure
Nutrient intake (sodium, fats, carbohydrates) and their impact on cardiometabolic risk factors.
Outcome Measures
Changes in blood pressure, cholesterol (total, LDL, HDL), and HbA1c levels.
Funding Source
National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) School for Public Health Research.
Collaborating Institutions
University of Sheffield, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg.
Ethics Approval
Not applicable.
Publication Status
Published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, 2024.
Keywords
Sodium, fats, carbohydrates, blood pressure, cholesterol, HbA1c, cardiometabolic risk factors.
Data Collection Methods
Systematic review of existing literature from databases like Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Science Citation Index.
Primary Data Availability
No new data available; all data used are from published sources.
Contact Information
Dr. Penny Breeze,