Effect of natural honey on lowering lipid profile

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the available evidence of natural honey and its effect on improving lipid profiles among the adult population. METHODS: The following databases were searched in May 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and crossover studies without any restrictions in language, publication year, or status: CENTRAL, Embase Elsevier, ClinicalTrials.gov, MEDLINE, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and Google Scholar. We included all RCTs and crossover studies that studied the effect of natural honey on improving lipid levels in individuals at any age, for any dose and duration. Trials investigated the intake of honey alone or honey dissolved in water. The comparison groups were no intervention or placebo. Two independent reviewers screened and evaluated the included trials. The third reviewer was involved in resolving any disagreement. Our aim was to evaluate the evidence available regarding the effect of natural honey in improving lipid profile. RESULTS: Seven trials with 370 participants fitted the inclusion criteria. Pooled analysis showed, honey was found to reduce total cholesterol levels with statistical significance (mean difference [MD]: -14.97 mg/dl, 95% CI: 19.61 to -10.32). Honey was associated with a statistically significant increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels (MD: 1.78 mg/dl, 95% CI: 0.68 to 2.88). There was a statistically significant LDL reduction level (MD: 18.99 mg/dl, 95% CI: -22.79 to -15.20). Finally, honey was found to lower triglyceride levels significantly (MD: 9.68 mg/dl, 95% CI: -15.56 to -3.80). CONCLUSIONS: Total cholesterol was significantly reduced with the use of natural honey intake, as well as low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides. High-density lipoprotein showed significant increment. Small quantity of honey can be recommended for patients with dyslipidemia. The impact on clinical outcomes such as cardiovascular mortality and morbidity needs to be evaluated in large studies. PROSPERO REG. NO. CRD: 42020130741