The Effect of Green Tea Supplementation on Body Composition, Muscle Damage, and Maximal Oxygen Consumption: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials Publisher



Nm Shirkoohi Nastaran MAHMOUDI ; Hl Amin Haniyeh LORZADEH ; Sm Zebari Salih MS ; F Naeini FATEMEH ; P Karimi PARISA ; S Shabbidar SAKINEH ; K Djafarian KUROSH
Source: Sport Sciences for Health Published:2025

Abstract

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis study aims to determine the effects of green tea supplementation (GTS) on body composition, muscle damage, and maximal oxygen consumption. Methods: A comprehensive literature search in Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases was performed until 3rd February, 2025. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of GTS on body composition, muscle damage, and maximal oxygen consumption in adults that exposed to exercise were included. The pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) was calculated by the random-effects model. The certainty in the evaluations was assessed by the GRADE approach. Results: A pooled analysis of 34 trials revealed that GTS supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in body mass index [(WMD = – 0.36 kg/m2; 95% CI – 0.68 to – 0.05; P = 0.023, GRADE = 351, moderate], percent body fat [(WMD = – 0.93%; 95% CI – 1.56 to – 0.30; P = 0.004, GRADE = 404, moderate], and a significant increase in VO2max [(WMD = 2.06 mL/kg−1/min−1; 95% CI 0.674–3.45; P = 0.004, GRADE = 184, moderate]. In contrast, supplementation with GTS did not change creatine kinase [(WMD = – 6.28 U. L−1; 95% CI (– 14.04, to 1.48; P = 0.113, GRADE = 323, low)], lactate dehydrogenase [(WMD = – 3.25 U. L−1; 95% CI – 29.39 to 22.88; P = 0.807, GRADE = 74, low], and waist circumference [(WMD = 0.14 cm; 95% CI – 2.67, 2.96; P = 0.921, GRADE = 174, low]. Conclusion: Our findings showed that green tea consumption reduces body mass index and fat percentage while improving maximal oxygen consumption in overweight individuals, with moderate certainty of evidence. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.