Eur J Nutr. 2026 Jun 2;65(4):150. doi: 10.1007/s00394-026-04005-8.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Among the main consequences of menopause are changes in body weight, lipid and metabolic profiles, as well as an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to analyze the effects of green tea consumption on the metabolic profile of postmenopausal women.
METHODS: This is a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of green tea compared with placebo in postmenopausal women. The search was conducted in the following electronic databases: MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE via Elsevier, the Cochrane Library, LILACS via BVS, and Web of Science, using the terms "Tea," "Green tea extract," "Metabolic profile", "Menopause," and "Postmenopause" (MeSH descriptors and synonyms). The outcomes listed in the study protocol were: weight, body mass index (BMI), body composition, lipid profile, and blood glucose.
RESULTS: Data were collected from seven RCTs that met the selection criteria. The meta-analysis showed that green tea reduced total cholesterol levels in postmenopausal women (mean difference [MD]: -7.03; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -13.24 to - 0.82; p = 0.03; I² = 0%; four studies; 1,109 participants; low-quality evidence). However, no statistically significant effects were observed for the other evaluated outcomes.
CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis demonstrated that green tea resulted in reductions in total cholesterol levels in postmenopausal women. However, further high-quality randomized controlled trials with standardized dosage, formulation, and duration are needed to confirm these findings and support the safe clinical use of green tea as an adjunctive strategy. High-dose concentrated extracts should be used with caution, and hepatic function monitoring may be warranted.
PMID:42228178 | DOI:10.1007/s00394-026-04005-8