Effects of Fermented Kimchi Consumption on Anthropometric and Blood Cardiometabolic Indicators: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Intervention Studies and Prospective Cohort Studies

Context: Increasing global kimchi consumption has prompted interest in its health impact. However, comprehensive reviews of the influence of kimchi on cardiometabolic risk factors, especially meta-analyses, remain limited.

Objective: This review assessed the impact of fermented kimchi consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors by systematically reviewing human intervention and prospective cohort studies, and conducting a meta-analysis of intervention studies.

Data sources: A literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, RISS, KISS, and ScienceON databases was conducted through April 30, 2024. The inclusion criteria encompassed studies that examined the effects of fermented kimchi, without any added ingredients or lactic acid bacteria, on health outcomes, including anthropometric measures, blood pressure, cardiometabolic and glycemic indicators, inflammatory cytokines, and the incidence of related chronic diseases.

Data extraction: Data extraction and quality evaluation were conducted independently by 3 researchers.

Data analysis: Pooled effect sizes were calculated as weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% CIs employing random-effects models.

Results: Five intervention studies (205 participants) and 4 prospective cohort studies (42 455 participants) were selected. A meta-analysis of the intervention studies revealed a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose (WMD: -1.93 mg/dL; 95% CI: -3.82, -0.03; I2 = 17.4%) following the consumption of fermented kimchi. After excluding studies that contributed to increased heterogeneity, significant inverse associations were observed between fermented kimchi consumption and triglycerides (WMD: -28.9 mg/dL; 95% CI: -53.2, -4.5; I2 = 0.0%), systolic blood pressure (WMD: -3.48 mmHg; 95% CI: -5.95, -1.01, I2 = 0.0%), and diastolic blood pressure (WMD: -2.68 mmHg; 95% CI: -4.75, -0.62; I2 = 0.0%). Prospective cohort studies linked higher kimchi intake with a lower incidence of cancer and metabolic syndrome and an increased likelihood of achieving normal body weight.

Conclusion: This review supports beneficial effects of fermented kimchi on cardiometabolic health. However, due to the limited number of studies, these findings should be interpreted cautiously, highlighting the need for further research in diverse populations.

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO registration No. CRD42024532020.