Nut consumption, body weight, and adiposity in patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Context It seems that nut consumption does not lead to weight gain in the general population. However, fewer studies have explored this relationship in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Purpose To synthesize evidence on the effects of nut (specifically, tree nuts and peanuts) consumption on adiposity-related measures in individuals diagnosed with T2D. Data Sources and Study Selection Four databases were searched up to December 31, 2020. Randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of nut consumption vs a control diet on body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and percent body fat were included. Data Extraction The pooled effect sizes (p-ESs) and 95%CIs of nut consumption were estimated using random effects models. Data Synthesis A total of 15 randomized controlled trials including 899 individuals were included. No significant effects of nut-enriched interventions were found for body weight (p-ES = −0.04; 95%CI: −0.16 to 0.08), body mass index (p-ES = −0.05; 95%CI: −0.17 to 0.08), waist circumference (p-ES = −0.02; 95%CI: −0.20 to 0.15), or percent body fat (p-ES = −0.03; 95%CI: −0.28 to 0.21). Conclusion Nut consumption has no effect, positive or negative, on weight or adiposity parameters in people with T2D.

Effects of Hazelnut Consumption on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Acceptance: A Systematic Review

“…A further possible mechanism is increased satiety, which is influenced by a number of properties found in nuts, such as the fibre and protein content, and crunchy texture, which leads to increased oral exposure time and reduced post-prandial drive for food [ 11 , 63 ]. Our review agrees with previous research on different nut types [ 11 , 19 , 24 , 64 ] and suggests that hazelnuts can be added to the diet without fear of adverse weight gain.…”

Walnut Intake Interventions Targeting Biomarkers of Metabolic Syndrome and Inflammation in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…Considering the evidence from recent meta-analyses, nut consumption [ 48 , 49 , 50 ] and walnut-enriched diets [ 22 , 51 ] are negatively associated with specific biomarkers of MetS and inflammation in different age groups.…”

Paradigm of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Type 2 Diabetes

“…The current evidence has a high risk of bias, so we need more randomized well-conducted clinical trials to get reliable results on the walnut effect on blood sugar [99,100]. Moreover, the walnut increased leptin and adiponectin levels but does not affect the body mass of people with T2D [101,102].…”