The Effect of Gum Consumption on Anthropometric Characteristics and Cardiac Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Objective: No systematic review and (or) meta-analysis has been conducted so far to study the effect of gum consumption on anthropometric indices and blood pressure. Thus, our objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of gum consumption on anthropometric indices and cardiac disorders. Methods: The literature search was implemented in the Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar databases to discover trials that investigated the impact of gum on obesity indices and cardiac disorders up to April 2019. In order to calculate effect sizes, the random-effects model (using the DerSimonian-Laird method) was applied. Results: Finally, 21 articles were included in this meta-analysis. Combined results indicated that body weight (WMD:-0.60 kg, 95 % CI:-1.13,-0.07, P = 0.026, I-2 = 89 %), and WC (WMD:-1.36 cm, 95 % CI:-2.50,-0.22, P = 0.019, I-2 = 96 %) changed significantly following gum consumption. Subgroup analyses showed that a gum dosage <= 15 g/day (WMD:-1.23 kg/m2, 95 % CI:-2.03 to-0.43, I2 = 99 %) significantly decreased BMI. Moreover, gum consumption had significant effects on cardiac disorders. Conclusion: In conclusion, gum supplementation may be an adjuvant for controlling obesity and can possess potential benefits in the management of cardiac disorders.