Meta-analysisindependent cross-checkabstract checked I-LEG-114 standard review
Legumes and inflammation markers
The effects of nonsoy legumes consumption on serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers and Adiponectin in overweight/obese adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Overview
Mansouri F et al.. J Nutr Biochem 2024 · PMID 39103105 · DOI 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2024.109718
In trials, eating non-soy legumes did not raise inflammation markers; some markers improved.
Does the study support the specific claim? No · Methodological quality: moderate
Plain-language summary
Study explained simply
- What did the researchers want to find out?
Pool RCTs on legumes and inflammation.
- How was the study done?
Meta-analysis.
- How many people, animals or samples were studied?
RCTs up to 2024.
- What was actually found?
IL-1beta down, adiponectin up; CRP unchanged.
- How large was the observed effect?
Not given in abstract.
- What do the results mean in everyday life?
Legumes do not inflame the body.
- What are the study's limitations?
Surrogate markers.
- What does it say about Elawady's specific claim?
Contradicts C-LEG-01.
- Do the results apply to Germany and Europe?
Applicable.
- What can explicitly not be concluded from this study?
It cannot show effects on disease.
Scientific in-depth review
1. Full reference
- Authors
- Mansouri F et al.
- Journal
- J Nutr Biochem
- Year
- 2024
- Identifier
- PMID 39103105 DOI 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2024.109718
- Verification
- verified – PubMed efetch 2026-10-26 + Crossref works API
- Retracted
- no
- Corrections
- none
- Extent checked
- abstract only
- Conflicts of interest and funding
No conflicts declared.
2. Research question
Do non-soy legumes change inflammatory biomarkers and adiponectin?
3. Study design and population
- Study design
- Meta-analysis – Systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs
- Population
Adults in RCTs (mainly overweight/obese)
- Country
International
- Period
Searches to January 2024
- Sample size
Not stated in abstract
- Inclusion and exclusion criteria
RCTs of non-soy legumes reporting CRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta or adiponectin.
4. Methods and endpoints
- Exposure / intervention
Non-soy legumes
- Comparator
Control diets
- Endpoints
CRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, adiponectin
- Statistical methods
Random-effects meta-analysis; leave-one-out
5. Actual results
- Results
Adiponectin increased (P=.0017) and IL-1beta decreased (P<.0001); no significant effect on CRP (P=.2951), IL-6 (P=.2286) or TNF-alpha (P=.6661); TNF-alpha decreased in healthy-participant subgroup.
- Absolute risks
Not applicable
- Authors' conclusion
Non-soy legumes can increase adiponectin and decrease IL-1beta in overweight/obese adults.
6. Strengths
- Updated search to 2024
- Multiple markers
7. Weaknesses
- Effect sizes not given in abstract
- Surrogate markers
- Abstract only
8. Risk of bias
- Orienting tool
- AMSTAR 2
- Type of assessment
- simplified assessment (abstract only)
- Full formal assessment
- no
- Overall risk of bias
- some concerns
- Rationale
Abstract-level appraisal.
9. Assessment of the statistical interpretation
No marker moved in a pro-inflammatory direction.
10. Relevance to the specific claim
Contradicts the claim that legumes cause inflammation (C-LEG-01) and, indirectly, autoimmune inflammation (C-LEG-02).
11. Independent contrary findings
None found.
12. Transferability to Germany and Europe
Applicable.
13. Overall methodological judgement
Updates I-LEG-03: neutral-to-favourable inflammatory profile.
| Multidimensional assessment | |
|---|---|
| Authenticity of the source | verified |
| Methodological quality | moderate |
| Risk of bias | some concerns |
| Precision of results | low |
| Directness | direct |
| Reproducibility | replicated |
| Consistency with the overall evidence | consistent |
| Regional transferability | high |
| Adequacy of the interpretation (by the archive) | not applicable |
14. Open questions
Clinical relevance of marker changes.
15. Linked fact checks
- Fava beans and lentils (together with flour products) are toxins that cause inflammation and deteriorate health; the fava bean hull is indigestible and the bean contains toxins that ferment 'dirtily'. – Studies contradicting or limiting the claim
- Legumes, and fava beans in particular, cause autoimmune diseases. – Studies contradicting or limiting the claim