Meta-analysesBlack tea consumption and serum cholesterol concentration: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

SummaryBackground & aimsThe results of randomized controlled trials in relation to the effect of regular black tea consumption on serum cholesterol concentration were inconsistent. We aimed to investigate and quantify the effect of black tea consumption on serum concentrations of total, LDL and HDL cholesterol.MethodsWe systematically searched and identified relevant literatures in PubMed, Scopus and the Cochrane Library. Inclusion and exclusion of studies, data extraction, quality assessment and meta-analysis were conducted according to the PRISMA statement.ResultsTen eligible studies with 411 participants were identified in the present meta-analysis. No significant heterogeneity was found between studies. Consumption of black tea significantly reduced LDL cholesterol concentration (−4.64 mg/dL; 95% CI: −8.99, −0.30 mg/dL; P = 0.036). No remarkable change was detected in total cholesterol (−2.04 mg/dL; 95% CI: −6.43, 2.35 mg/dL; P = 0.363) or HDL cholesterol (−1.15 mg/dL; 95% CI: −3.04, 0.75 mg/dL; P = 0.236). Subgroup analysis showed that the lowering effect on LDL cholesterol was more effective in subjects with higher cardiovascular risk.ConclusionsBlack tea consumption significantly lowered serum concentration of LDL cholesterol, especially in subjects with higher cardiovascular risk. Black tea intake did not impose obvious effect on serum concentrations of total and HDL cholesterol.