The Efficacy of Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet on Lipid Profile: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Clinical Controlled Trials

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia is considered a causal risk factor for coronary heart disease and stroke. Plant-based diets such as dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. This meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effects of the DASH diet on lipid profiles based on clinical controlled trials. METHODS: An inclusive online search was performed in medical databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar up to October 2021 to identify trials assessing the effect of the DASH diet on lipid profiles. RESULTS: Seventeen studies comprising 2218 individuals were included in this meta-analysis. In comparison to the control group, following the DASH diet resulted in a significant reduction in serum triglycerides (WMD: -5.539 mg/dl; 95 CI: -8.806, -2.272) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: -6.387 mg/dl; 95 CI: -12.272, -0.501). However, DASH diet could not reduce serum total cholesterol (WMD: -5.793 mg/dl; 95 CI: -12.84, 1.254), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: 0.631 mg/dl; 95 CI: -0.749, 2.011), and total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (WMD: -0.11 mg/dl; 95 CI: -0.27, 0.05). CONCLUSION: Findings of this meta-analysis showed that following the DASH diet had beneficial effects on serum triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, however, it had no effect on serum total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Based on these results, the DASH diet can be considered a strategy for the prevention and complementary management of dyslipidemia.