Are low carbohydrate diet interventions beneficial for metabolic syndrome and its components? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors' conclusion
In summary, LCD interventions improved MetS-related biomarkers in adults with MetS. Moreover, further research is needed to determine the optimal intervention period of LCD on MetS.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS)30 articles meta-analysed
- Participants
- 3,806 adults
- Comparison
- Low-carbohydrate diet interventions vs control dietary intervention
- Outcome
- MetS and its components
- Follow-up
- At least 12 weeks
Methodological detailsrandom-effects model, 41 articles met inclusion criteria; 25 high-quality, 5 moderate quality in meta-analysis
- Random-effects model
- 41 articles met inclusion criteria; 25 high-quality, 5 moderate quality in meta-analysis
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
MetS components
LCD vs ControlMD, kg/m2 (95% CI)
BMI
−0.43(−0.75 to −0.11)
LCD vs ControlMD, cm (95% CI)
Waist circumference
−0.77(−1.43 to −0.12)
LCD vs ControlMD, mmHg (95% CI)
Systolic blood pressure
−1.19(−2.36 to −0.02)
Diastolic blood pressure
−1.49(−2.36 to −0.02)
LCD vs ControlMD, % (95% CI)
HbA1c
−0.62(−0.91 to −0.32)
LCD vs ControlMD, mmol/L (95% CI)
TG
−0.24(−0.42 to −0.05)
LCD vs ControlMD, mmol/l (95% CI)
HDL-C
0.06(0.03–0.09)
Further pooled results
Heterogeneity (subgroup analysis)
- Source of high heterogeneity might come from the dosage of intervention
Original publication
Are low carbohydrate diet interventions beneficial for metabolic syndrome and its components? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Int J Obes (Lond). Published 27 June 2025. doi:10.
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