Work

Effects of carotenoid supplementation on liver enzymes in adults: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Year: 2025

Type: review

Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Carotenoids are known for their beneficial effects in improving chronic diseases through their antioxidant properties. However, there has been no meta-analysis on the effects of carotenoids on liver enzymes and the evidence is inconsistent. So, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of carotenoid supplementation on liver enzyme levels in adults. METHODS: Through November 2024, the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science electronic databases were searched for eligible trials evaluating the carotenoid supplementation effects on the Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). The 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and weighted mean differences (WMDs) were calculated using the random effects model. As part of standard methods, dose-response, meta-regressions, sensitivity, and publication bias analyses were performed. Evidence certainty was assessed using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations for Assessment, Development, and Evaluation). RESULTS: Of the 15 studies (20 arms; n = 757), 7 included healthy participants, while 8 involved non-healthy individuals, including 4 studies on prediabetes or diabetes. Pooled estimates indicated non-significant effects of carotenoid supplementation on all enzymes including ALT (WMD: -2.25 IU/L, 95%CI: -4.84,0.34, P = 0.089), AST (WMD: -0.46 IU/L, 95%CI: -1.25,0.34, P = 0.259), ALP (WMD: -0.34 IU/L, 95%CI: -6.89,6.21, P = 0.918) and GGT (WMD: -0.43 IU/L, 95%CI: -3.06,2.21, P = 0.751) levels non-significantly. Significant reductions in ALT levels occurred in < 12 weeks (P = 0.028), BMI ≥ 25 (P = 0.045), and among non-healthy participants (P = 0.015). AST levels were significantly reduced in non-healthy participants (P = 0.003) with ages > 50 (P = 0.003) as well as GGT levels (P = 0.011) in non-healthy participants. CONCLUSION: . However, more trials with standard methods are required. PROSPERO REGISTERATION CODE: CRD42024612956.

Source: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

DOI: 10.1186/s12906-025-05201-5

Authors: Sareh-Sadat Heydari, Mohammad Vesal Bideshki, Marzieh Akbarzadeh, Ehsan Behzadi, Mehrdad Behzadi

Institutions: Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, University of Jiroft, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran

Language: English

Topic: Antioxidant Activity and Oxidative Stress

Subfield: Biochemistry

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,195