Effects of corn-derived dietary fibers on cardiometabolic risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Corn-derived dietary fibers have been increasingly recognized for their potential cardiometabolic benefits; however, evidence regarding their effects on cardiometabolic markers remains inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of corn-derived dietary fiber supplementation on cardiometabolic outcomes in adults. A systematic search of original databases was conducted from database inception to May 2026 to identify randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of corn-derived dietary fibers. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Corn-derived dietary fiber supplementation significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: -7.93 mg/dL; 95% CI: -14.00 to -1.86) and low-density lipoprotein- cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD: -8.82 mg/dL; 95% CI: -14.31 to -3.33). No significant effects were observed for glycemic control, other lipid profile, anthropometric indices, blood pressure, and C-reactive protein (all P > 0.05). Subgroup analyses showed that the lipid-lowering effects remained generally consistent across intervention durations and fiber dosages. Corn-derived dietary fiber supplementation significantly improves TC and LDL-C concentrations but has no significant effects on other cardiometabolic outcomes. These findings support the potential role of corn-derived dietary fibers as an adjunct nutritional strategy for improving lipid profile and reducing cardiovascular risk.