Diet trials found changes in artery function, with uncertain evidence
Several foods and Mediterranean-style diets improved a vascular function measure in randomized trials, but the review did not establish fewer cardiovascular events.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
The review reported improved artery function with several food groups and Mediterranean dietary patterns. Favorable findings included tea, cocoa, fruit, vegetables, soy, nuts and seeds. The outcome was a vascular function measurement, so these results do not directly establish fewer cardiovascular events. Confidence in the evidence ranged from moderate to low.
Many cases raised some concerns about bias or were judged at high risk of bias. Evidence certainty was moderate to low. This abstract-based brief cannot examine the control diets because they are not described.
What artery function meant here
Trials measured fasting flow-mediated dilation in the brachial artery, abbreviated FMD. This was the review's marker of endothelial function. The reported changes concern that vascular measurement; the abstract does not report whether cardiovascular events were reduced.
A null finding for weight-loss interventions
Weight-loss interventions involving <10% body-weight loss did not show a clear FMD improvement. This result does not establish that weight loss has no vascular effect, and it does not identify a threshold at which benefit begins.
The original publication
The effects of whole foods and dietary patterns on flow-mediated dilation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Trinquet NM, Kellow NJ, Eviana R et al.
Am J Clin Nutr · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40972869
- Record checked
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