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Can dementia risk be reduced by following the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7? A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.
Wu, J, Xiong, Y, Xia, X, Orsini, N, Qiu, C, Kivipelto, M, Rizzuto, D, Wang, R
Ageing research reviews. 2023;83:101788
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The American Heart Association (AHA) has defined ideal levels of seven modifiable cardiovascular health (CVH) factors, known as Life's Simple 7, that consist of smoking, physical activity, diet, body mass index, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, and blood pressure. Maintaining ideal levels of these factors has been recommended as a prevention strategy against not only cardiovascular diseases but also neurodegenerative disorders, e.g., cognitive decline and dementia. However, studies exploring the beneficial effects of the AHA’s CVH metrics on cognitive outcomes, especially among older populations, have been uncertain, and solid evidence is lacking in this field. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify the relationship between the AHA’s CVH metrics and cognitive outcomes. 14 longitudinal studies were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed a considerable effect of a favourable total CVH score on reduced risk of incident dementia in adults aged 70 years or older. When looking at the individual factors, dementia risk can be reduced significantly if older adults achieved the recommended level of physical activity, blood glucose, or total cholesterol. The association with smoking appeared to be borderline, and there was no association between diet, body mass index hazard ratio or blood pressure and dementia risk. The authors concluded that their findings provide evidence that maintaining a favourable level of CVH score, either in mid- or late- life, would substantially reduce the risk of dementia among older adults. Preserving cardiovascular health by quitting smoking, engaging in physical exercise, controlling blood glucose and total cholesterol might be especially effective for forestalling cognitive decline and dementia.
Abstract
This study aimed to quantify the relationships between the American Heart Association (AHA) Cardiovascular Health (CVH) metrics, namely AHA Life's Simple 7, and cognitive outcomes. We searched PubMed and Embase (January 1, 2010-August 24, 2022) and finally included 14 longitudinal studies (311654 participants with 8006 incident dementia cases). Random-effects meta-analysis and one-stage linear mixed-effects models were performed. Increased CVH score seemed to associate with decreased risk of incident dementia in a linear manner, but this relationship varied by the measurement age of CVH metrics. That is, midlife CVH tended to have a linear association with late-life dementia risk, whereas a J-shaped association was observed between the late-life CVH score and dementia. In addition, late-life dementia risk was reduced significantly if individuals maintained an ideal level of AHA's CVH guidelines of physical activity, fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, and smoking. However, our meta-analysis did not show a significant association between CVH score and global cognitive decline rate. Following AHA's CVH guidelines and maintaining CVH at an optimal level would substantially reduce the late-life dementia risk. More research is required to explore the link between a favorable CVH score and cognitive trajectories among cognitively asymptomatic older populations.
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Coffee Consumption and Risk of Hypertension in Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Haghighatdoost, F, Hajihashemi, P, de Sousa Romeiro, AM, Mohammadifard, N, Sarrafzadegan, N, de Oliveira, C, Silveira, EA
Nutrients. 2023;15(13)
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High blood pressure (hypertension) is the main risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Over the past decades the number of people experiencing high blood pressure has steadily increased, making it a serious concern for public health. Many dietary factors influence the development of high blood pressure, either increasing of decreasing the risk. Coffee is a widely consumed beverage. The caffeine in coffee can stimulate stress hormones like adrenaline. Adrenaline increases blood pressure, inflammation and decreases sensitivity to insulin, which are all regarded as risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. At the same time coffee contains many blood pressure lowering nutrients and compounds. Whether coffee contributes or diminishes the risks of developing high blood pressure has remained controversial. Hence, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarise the current evidence on coffee and hypertension risk. The analysis included 25 observational studies published between 2002 and 2023. The results concluded that coffee consumption was associated with a small reduction in risk for high blood pressure development. An inverse association was found, suggesting that as coffee consumption rose, high blood pressure risk falls. However, upon closer examination this inverse relationship was only found in the USA, but not in Europe and Asia. The authors suggested that geographics, genetics, gender, coffee preparation methods, and differences in lifestyle habits (smoking, salt consumption etc.) may contribute to the discrepancies between outcomes and make it harder to compare studies to form a uniform consensus. Hence, they urged for a cautious interpretation of the findings. In the absence of clear, consistent evidence, coffee consumption and cardiovascular risk may need to be assessed on an individual basis in clinical practice.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The association between coffee intake and hypertension (HTN) risk is controversial. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at summarizing the current evidence on the association of coffee with hypertension risk in observational studies. METHODS PubMed/Medline and Web of Science were searched for observational studies up to February 2023. Observational studies which assessed the risk of HTN in the highest category of coffee consumption in comparison with the lowest intake were included in the current meta-analysis (registration number: CRD42022371494). The pooled effect of coffee on HTN was evaluated using a random-effects model. RESULTS Twenty-five studies i.e., thirteen cross-sectional studies and twelve cohorts were identified to be eligible. Combining 13 extracted effect sizes from cohort studies showed that higher coffee consumption was associated with 7% reduction in the risk of HTN (95% CI: 0.88, 0.97; I2: 22.3%), whereas combining 16 effect sizes from cross-sectional studies illustrated a greater reduction in HTN risk (RR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.72, 0.87; I2 = 63.2%). These results varied by studies characteristics, such as the region of study, participants' sex, study quality, and sample size. CONCLUSIONS An inverse association was found between coffee consumption and hypertension risk in both cross-sectional and cohort studies. However, this association was dependent on studies characteristics. Further studies considering such factors are required to confirm the results of this study.
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Effect of Casein Hydrolysate on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Zhou, S, Xu, T, Zhang, X, Luo, J, An, P, Luo, Y
Nutrients. 2022;14(19)
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Casein makes up around 80% of the protein in cow’s milk. Hydrolysed casein has been partially broken down, making it easier to digest. It has various biological functions including, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antihypertensive activities which could be beneficial for cardiovascular health. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarise the effects of casein hydrolysate supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors. 26 randomised control trials (RCTs) were included in the analysis. Casein hydrolysate significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared with control diets, but had no effect on total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides or fasting blood glucose. The authors concluded that their findings support the consumption of casein hydrolysate in the population at risk for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Abstract
Casein hydrolysate has various biological functional activities, especially prominent are angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory activities. Increasing evidence has reported the prominent hypotensive effect of casein hydrolysate. However, the effects of casein hydrolysate on cardiovascular risk factors remain unclear and require more comprehensive and detailed studies. Here, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to summarize the effects of casein hydrolysate supplementation on blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood glucose. In the pooled analyses, casein hydrolysate significantly reduced systolic blood pressure by 3.20 mmHg (-4.53 to -1.87 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure by 1.50 mmHg (-2.31 to -0.69 mmHg). Supplementation of casein hydrolysate displayed no effect on total cholesterol (-0.07 mmol/L; -0.17 to 0.03 mmol/L), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-0.04 mmol/L; -0.15 to 0.08 mmol/L), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-0.01 mmol/L; -0.06 to 0.03 mmol/L), triglycerides (-0.05 mmol/L, -0.14 to 0.05 mmol/L), or fasting blood glucose (-0.01 mmol/L; -0.10 to 0.09 mmol/L) compared with the placebo diets. Collectively, this study indicated that supplementation of casein hydrolysate displayed decreasing effect on blood pressure without affecting blood lipids or glycemic status.
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Evidence for the Benefits of Melatonin in Cardiovascular Disease.
Tobeiha, M, Jafari, A, Fadaei, S, Mirazimi, SMA, Dashti, F, Amiri, A, Khan, H, Asemi, Z, Reiter, RJ, Hamblin, MR, et al
Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine. 2022;9:888319
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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) encompasses a group of disorders involving blood vessels or the heart. The beneficial effects of melatonin [hormone] in treating various human diseases have been broadly investigated. Melatonin is an indoleamine-derived molecule, which is synthesised at night. The aim of this review was to point out therapeutic potentials of melatonin in the treatment of CVDs with an emphasis on the molecular mechanisms of action. This review shows that: - nearly all the studies have reported positive effects of melatonin on cardiovascular physiology, and the prevention of damage to the myocardium after heart attack, reperfusion injury, or sepsis. - melatonin can help blood pressure and heart arrhythmia. - some clinical trials indicated that the utilization of melatonin in CVDs is associated with more inconsistencies regarding its cardioprotective effects. Authors conclude that further preclinical and clinical studies are required to better delineate the cardiovascular benefits of melatonin.
Abstract
The pineal gland is a neuroendocrine gland which produces melatonin, a neuroendocrine hormone with critical physiological roles in the circadian rhythm and sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin has been shown to possess anti-oxidant activity and neuroprotective properties. Numerous studies have shown that melatonin has significant functions in cardiovascular disease, and may have anti-aging properties. The ability of melatonin to decrease primary hypertension needs to be more extensively evaluated. Melatonin has shown significant benefits in reducing cardiac pathology, and preventing the death of cardiac muscle in response to ischemia-reperfusion in rodent species. Moreover, melatonin may also prevent the hypertrophy of the heart muscle under some circumstances, which in turn would lessen the development of heart failure. Several currently used conventional drugs show cardiotoxicity as an adverse effect. Recent rodent studies have shown that melatonin acts as an anti-oxidant and is effective in suppressing heart damage mediated by pharmacologic drugs. Therefore, melatonin has been shown to have cardioprotective activity in multiple animal and human studies. Herein, we summarize the most established benefits of melatonin in the cardiovascular system with a focus on the molecular mechanisms of action.
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Vegetarian and Vegan Diet in Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review.
Nadal-Nicolás, Y, Miralles-Amorós, L, Martínez-Olcina, M, Sánchez-Ortega, M, Mora, J, Martínez-Rodríguez, A
International journal of environmental research and public health. 2021;18(9)
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Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic non-degenerative disease of unknown etiology without effective medical treatment that mostly affects women. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of mainly plant-based diets in patients with FM compared to omnivorous diets. A secondary aim was to examine the main effects of these diets on patients’ symptoms and the improvement in their quality of life. This study is a systemic review of six studies (n = 4 clinical trials and n = 2 observational cohort studies). The selected studies included 157 FM patients in both the intervention and control groups, and more than 117 were women. Results indicate that a mainly plant-based diet improves biochemical parameters and body inflammation; body weight, sleep quality, quality of life, pain at rest as well as other symptoms of FM and their impact on health. Authors conclude that even though their findings are promising further well-designed clinical trials are needed to consolidate these dietary recommendations in FM patient.
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic non-degenerative disease characterized by the presence of multiple symptoms such as chronic pain, which negatively influence the quality of life of sufferers, most of whom are women. Currently, there is no effective treatment to limit the impact of these symptoms. The aim of this research is to review the scientific evidence on the effect of following a vegetarian or vegan diet on fibromyalgia patients. A systematic review included the original articles that answered the research question. These articles were in 2021 in the PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases. The research used the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) guidelines. No time restriction was applied, and grey literature was not included. The evaluation of the methodological quality of the articles was carried out using the following different scales: STROBE (strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology), PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database), and MMAT (Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool) scales. A total of 88 studies were analyzed, of which 6 investigations were included in this systematic review (n = 4 clinical trials and n = 2 cohort studies). These investigations show significant improvements in biochemical parameters, quality of life, quality of sleep, pain at rest and general health status when following mainly plant-based dietary patterns. In conclusion, these findings are promising but interpretation of the findings is limited due to the methodological quality of the studies. Well-designed clinical trials are needed to consolidate these dietary recommendations in FM patients.
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Gut and Reproductive Tract Microbiota Adaptation during Pregnancy: New Insights for Pregnancy-Related Complications and Therapy.
Siena, M, Laterza, L, Matteo, MV, Mignini, I, Schepis, T, Rizzatti, G, Ianiro, G, Rinninella, E, Cintoni, M, Gasbarrini, A
Microorganisms. 2021;9(3)
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During pregnancy, several adaptations occur in the female organism. In fact, from fertilization until delivery, the maternal body changes and activates a series of physiological transformations to welcome the new life. The microbiota as a component of human bodies is subject to these modifications. This study is a review that focused on gut and reproductive tract microbiota variations during physiologic pregnancy and in case of pregnancy complications, particularly gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), pre-eclampsia (PE), and preterm birth (PTB). Results show that: - during pregnancy, major changes have been seen in mothers’ gut microbiota. Between the first and third trimester of pregnancy, to support the foetus growth, there is a shift towards communities of microbes implicated in energy production and storage. - in nonpregnant women, vaginal microbiota could be classified into five major types, representing the community state types. - meconium’s microbes seems to be dominated by the Enterobacteriaceae family, suggesting prenatally stepwise colonization. - gut microbiota may contribute to enhanced insulin resistance in early pregnancy (1st and 2nd trimester). - microbiota imbalances in PE women are related not only with blood pressure levels but also with markers of kidney dysfunction. Thus, it is of key importance to understand the role of microbiota and other factors involved in the etiopathogenesis of PE - dysbiosis is related to PTB (however, further studies are necessary to better understand the correlation between this pregnancy complication and the specific microbiota alteration). Authors conclude that microbiota modulation could be a novel strategy to reduce the morbidity and mortality related to pregnancy complications in the future.
Abstract
Pregnancy is characterized by maternal adaptations that are necessary to create a welcoming and hospitable environment for the fetus. Studies have highlighted how the microbiota modulates several networks in humans through complex molecular interactions and how dysbiosis (defined as quantitative and qualitative alterations of the microbiota communities) is related to human pathologies including gynecological diseases. This review analyzed how maternal uterine, vaginal, and gut microbiomes could impact on fetus health during the gestational period. We evaluated the role of a dysbiotic microbiota in preterm birth, chorioamnionitis, gestational diabetes mellitus and pre-eclampsia. For many years it has been hypothesized that newborns were sterile organisms but in the past few years this paradigm has been questioned through the demonstration of the presence of microbes in the placenta and meconium. In the future, we should go deeper into the concept of in utero colonization to better understand the role of microbiota through the phases of pregnancy. Numerous studies in the literature have already showed interesting results regarding the role of microbiota in pregnancy. This evidence gives us the hope that microbiota modulation could be a novel strategy to reduce the morbidity and mortality related to pregnancy complications in the future.
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Mobile Apps to Improve Medication Adherence in Cardiovascular Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Al-Arkee, S, Mason, J, Lane, DA, Fabritz, L, Chua, W, Haque, MS, Jalal, Z
Journal of medical Internet research. 2021;23(5):e24190
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A long-term use of cardiovascular medications significantly reduces the risk of morbidity and mortality, but their full therapeutic potential cannot be achieved if patients are nonadherent. Developing interventions to tackle medication nonadherence is important for improving health outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of app-based interventions on medication adherence in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study is a systemic review and meta-analysis of 16 randomised controlled trials. The apps used were all different for each study and were developed by different organizations: 8 were academic or government institutions, whereas others were commercial organizations. Results show that a total of 9 trials showed a statistically significant improvement in medication adherence in the intervention arm. Furthermore, the apps used had mixed functionality, including reminders, education or both, however, overall, user engagement and usability were rated positively, demonstrating interest in the concept. Authors conclude that it is difficult to make strong, unrestricted recommendations for practice, especially with the methodological limitations of the trials included in this study. However, mobile apps may enhance medication adherence as part of a package of care.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adherence rates of preventative medication for cardiovascular disease (CVD) have been reported as 57%, and approximately 9% of all CVD events in Europe are attributable to poor medication adherence. Mobile health technologies, particularly mobile apps, have the potential to improve medication adherence and clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to assess the effects of mobile health care apps on medication adherence and health-related outcomes in patients with CVD. This study also evaluates apps' functionality and usability and the involvement of health care professionals in their use. METHODS Electronic databases (MEDLINE [Ovid], PubMed Central, Cochrane Library, CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO [Ovid], Embase [Ovid], and Google Scholar) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to investigate app-based interventions aimed at improving medication adherence in patients with CVD. RCTs published in English from inception to January 2020 were reviewed. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the included studies. Meta-analysis was performed for clinical outcomes and medication adherence, with meta-regression analysis used to evaluate the impact of app intervention duration on medication adherence. RESULTS This study included 16 RCTs published within the last 6 years. In total, 12 RCTs reported medication adherence as the primary outcome, which is the most commonly self-reported adherence. The duration of the interventions ranged from 1 to 12 months, and sample sizes ranged from 24 to 412. Medication adherence rates showed statistically significant improvements in 9 RCTs when compared with the control, and meta-analysis of the 6 RCTs reporting continuous data showed a significant overall effect in favor of the app intervention (mean difference 0.90, 95% CI 0.03-1.78) with a high statistical heterogeneity (I2=93.32%). Moreover, 9 RCTs assessed clinical outcomes and reported an improvement in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the intervention arm. Meta-analysis of these clinical outcomes from 6 RCTs favored app interventions, but none were significant. In the 7 trials evaluating app usability, all were found to be acceptable. There was a great variation in the app characteristics. A total of 10 RCTs involved health care professionals, mainly physicians and nurses, in the app-based interventions. The apps had mixed functionality: 2 used education, 7 delivered reminders, and 7 provided reminders in combination with educational support. CONCLUSIONS Apps tended to increase medication adherence, but interventions varied widely in design, content, and delivery. Apps have an acceptable degree of usability; yet the app characteristics conferring usability and effectiveness are ill-defined. Future large-scale studies should focus on identifying the essential active components of successful apps. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42019121385; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=121385.
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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and obesity. Impact of obesity and its main comorbidities in the evolution of the disease.
Cornejo-Pareja, IM, Gómez-Pérez, AM, Fernández-García, JC, Barahona San Millan, R, Aguilera Luque, A, de Hollanda, A, Jiménez, A, Jimenez-Murcia, S, Munguia, L, Ortega, E, et al
European eating disorders review : the journal of the Eating Disorders Association. 2020;28(6):799-815
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The Covid-19 pandemic has caused thousands of deaths worldwide. Being obese is associated with worse outcomes following infection with Covid-19. This review aimed to summarise the data available on the relationship between Covid-19 and obesity, and explored some of the possible reasons for this relationship. The researchers found that obesity is an independent and strong risk factor for severe infection, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission and death. The impact of obesity might be of particular relevance in males and in younger individuals. Long‐term complications of Covid‐19 could also be more frequent and severe in obese subjects. There are many potential mechanisms that could explain this relationship. These include the effects of obesity and related diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease on the immune system, lung function, vitamin D deficiency and male hormones. The researchers also discussed the possibility of fat cells acting as a possible reservoir for Covid-19 infection. Research into Covid-19 is still at a very early stage and more studies are needed.
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is posing a great challenge worldwide. Its rapid progression has caused thousands of deaths worldwide. Although multiple aspects remain to be clarified, some risk factors associated with a worse prognosis have been identified. These include obesity and some of its main complications, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Furthermore, although the possible long-term complications and psychological effects that may appear in survivors of COVID-19 are not well known yet, there is a concern that those complications may be greater in obese patients. In this manuscript, we review some of the data published so far and the main points that remain to be elucidated are emphasized.
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Plant-Based Diets for Cardiovascular Safety and Performance in Endurance Sports.
Barnard, ND, Goldman, DM, Loomis, JF, Kahleova, H, Levin, SM, Neabore, S, Batts, TC
Nutrients. 2019;11(1)
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Studies suggest that endurance athletes are at higher risk of some types of heart disease. This review looked at the ability of plant-based diets to reduce risk and affect athletic performance. The authors found evidence that plant-based diets are associated with beneficial effects on health, such as reducing body fat, blood pressure, cholesterol, oxidative stress and inflammation. The authors of this review argue that there is a sound scientific basis for recommending plant-based diets to endurance athletes.
Abstract
Studies suggest that endurance athletes are at higher-than-average risk for atherosclerosis and myocardial damage. The ability of plant-based regimens to reduce risk and affect performance was reviewed. The effect of plant-based diets on cardiovascular risk factors, particularly plasma lipid concentrations, body weight, and blood pressure, and, as part of a healthful lifestyle, reversing existing atherosclerotic lesions, may provide a substantial measure of cardiovascular protection. In addition, plant-based diets may offer performance advantages. They have consistently been shown to reduce body fat, leading to a leaner body composition. Because plants are typically high in carbohydrate, they foster effective glycogen storage. By reducing blood viscosity and improving arterial flexibility and endothelial function, they may be expected to improve vascular flow and tissue oxygenation. Because many vegetables, fruits, and other plant-based foods are rich in antioxidants, they help reduce oxidative stress. Diets emphasizing plant foods have also been shown to reduce indicators of inflammation. These features of plant-based diets may present safety and performance advantages for endurance athletes. The purpose of this review was to explore the role of nutrition in providing cardioprotection, with a focus on plant-based diets previously shown to provide cardiac benefits.
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Metabolic Syndrome Features: Is There a Modulation Role by Mineral Water Consumption? A Review.
Costa-Vieira, D, Monteiro, R, Martins, MJ
Nutrients. 2019;11(5)
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Metabolic syndrome, defined as having high blood pressure, triglycerides, blood glucose and being obese, is becoming an increasing worldwide health problem. It’s considered to be a result of modern-day life styles and there is no effective cure other than diet and life style interventions. This review paper looks at the mineral content and the alkalising effects of mineral water when consumed by participants with metabolic syndrome. The minerals within mineral water are thought to be more readily absorbed in the body than when consumed in foods and since Westernised diets are low in mineral content and high in acidity, consuming mineral water could help counteract mineral deficiencies and help to balance pH in those with metabolic syndrome. 20 studies, both animal and human, were selected for evaluation of the effect of mineral water on blood pressure, lipid profile, blood glucose and waist circumference. The authors conclude that mineral water is indeed beneficial to those with metabolic syndrome and can help counteract mineral deficiencies and balance pH. However, it is unclear whether mineral water in high quantities would be detrimental to a person with adequate mineral status and a pH within optimal range. Further studies are needed.
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) promotes, among others, the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Its prevalence increases with age, highlighting the relevance of promoting precocious MetSyn primary prevention and treatment with easy-to-implement lifestyle interventions. MetSyn features modulation through mineral water consumption was reviewed on Pubmed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases, using the following keywords: metabolic syndrome, hypertension, blood pressure (BP), cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein, chylomicron, very low-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), glucose, insulin, body weight, body mass index, waist circumference (WC), obesity and mineral(-rich) water. Twenty studies were selected: 12 evaluated BP, 13 assessed total-triglycerides and/or HDL-cholesterol, 10 analysed glucose and/or 3 measured WC. Mineral waters were tested in diverse protocols regarding type and composition of water, amount consumed, diet and type and duration of the study. Human and animal studies were performed in populations with different sizes and characteristics. Distinct sets of five studies showed beneficial effects upon BP, total-triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol and glucose. WC modulation was not reported. Minerals/elements and active ions/molecules present in mineral waters (and their pH) are crucial to counterbalance their inadequate intake and body status as well as metabolic dysfunction and increased diet-induced acid-load observed in MetSyn. Study characteristics and molecular/physiologic mechanisms that could explain the different effects observed are discussed. Further studies are warranted for determining the mechanisms involved in the putative protective action of mineral water consumption against MetSyn features.