The effects of raspberry consumption on anthropometric indices and liver function tests in adults: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: In recent years, the therapeutic effects of raspberry have been the subject of several randomized control trials (RCTs). However, there is no consensus about the effect of raspberry consumption on anthropometric indices and liver function tests. So, the present review aims to investigate this effectiveness by conducting a meta-analysis. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched to identify eligible randomized control trials (RCTs) up to March 2024. The overall effect sizes were estimated using the random-effects model as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Nine studies (10 arms) with 355 participants were eligible for inclusion in this review. This meta-analysis showed that raspberry consumption did not lead to significant changes in anthropometric indices (weight, body mass index, and waist circumference) and liver function tests (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase). Conclusion: This review revealed that raspberry consumption had no significant impact on anthropometric indices or liver function tests. However, more RCTs with a larger sample size and higher sensitivity are needed to draw definite conclusions. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=477568, PROSPERO ID: CRD42023477568.