Effects of Corn-Derived Dietary Fibers on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Publisher Pubmed

Summary: Can corn fiber improve heart-health markers? A meta-analysis found reductions in total and LDL cholesterol, but no clear benefit for several other metabolic outcomes. #Nutrition #Cholesterol

Cheng Q ; Fatahi S ; Amini M R ; Rohani P ; Sohouli M H
Source: Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice Published:2026

Abstract

Corn-derived dietary fibers have been increasingly recognized for their potential cardiometabolic benefits; however, evidence regarding their effects on cardiometabolic markers remains inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of corn-derived dietary fiber supplementation on cardiometabolic outcomes in adults. A systematic search of original databases was conducted from database inception to May 2026 to identify randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of corn-derived dietary fibers. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Corn-derived dietary fiber supplementation significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: –7.93 mg/dL; 95% CI: –14.00 to –1.86) and low-density lipoprotein- cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD: –8.82 mg/dL; 95% CI: –14.31 to –3.33). No significant effects were observed for glycemic control, other lipid profile, anthropometric indices, blood pressure, and C-reactive protein (all P > 0.05). Subgroup analyses showed that the lipid-lowering effects remained generally consistent across intervention durations and fiber dosages. Corn-derived dietary fiber supplementation significantly improves TC and LDL-C concentrations but has no significant effects on other cardiometabolic outcomes. These findings support the potential role of corn-derived dietary fibers as an adjunct nutritional strategy for improving lipid profile and reducing cardiovascular risk. © 2026 Elsevier B.V.