Effects of non-soy legume protein on lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

What was studied

This systematic review and meta-analysis looked at non-soy legume protein. These are plant proteins from legumes such as beans. It asked about effects on blood fats in adults with high cholesterol. The authors searched PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science through September 23, 2025. They pooled randomized trials with 297 adults in all. Outcomes were total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C and HDL-C.

What they found

Overall, there were no significant changes in blood fats. Total cholesterol changed by -2.251 mg/dL. LDL-C changed by -1.533 mg/dL. In subgroups, total cholesterol fell significantly in people over 50 years. The drop was -8.27 mg/dL. It also fell in people with a BMI below 28, by -5.18. LDL-C fell in those with a BMI below 28, by -2.94. Certainty was very low for all outcomes.

What it means for patients

The authors say overall lipid profiles did not change significantly. They say modest drops in total cholesterol and LDL-C in some subgroups are exploratory. They say individual traits may shape the effect.

Why it is not certain yet

The findings rest on a limited number of studies. Certainty was rated very low. The subgroup results are exploratory. The authors say they warrant further investigation.

Source

Effects of non-soy legume protein on lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

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