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. 2021 Apr 21;13(5):1394. doi: 10.3390/nu13051394

Table 1.

Dietary patterns and the concentration of adiponectin (AD)—A positive effect.

Author/Reference Year Study Design Sample Results
HEALTHY DIET
Fargnoli et al. [13] 2008 Prospective cohort study 1922 women free of CVD, diabetes and cancer, aged 30–55 y Total AD concentration was 24% higher (15.68 ± 1.03 μg/mL vs. 12.61 ± 1.03 μg/mL; p < 0.0001) and HMW AD was 32% higher (5.71 ± 1.04 μg/mL vs. 4.34 ± 1.04 μg/mL; p < 0.0001) in women from the highest quartile of adherence to AHEI compared to women from the lowest quartile.
Volp et al. [14] 2016 Cross-sectional study 157 apparently healthy men and women, aged 18–35 y A correlation between the Healthy Eating Index and AD concentrations (r = 0.20074; p = 0.02).
THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Mantzoros et al. [17] 2006 Cross-sectional study 987 diabetic women, aged 30–55 y Higher adherence to the MD was associated with markedly higher AD concentrations compared to the lowest adherence (6.91 ± 1.06 μg/mL vs. 5.49 ± 1.04 μg/mL; p < 0.01).
Fragopoulou et al. [5] 2010 Cross-sectional study 532 men and women free of CVD, aged > 18 y Higher adherence to the MD was associated with markedly higher AD concentrations compared to the lowest adherence (4.8 ± 2.0 μg/mL vs. 3.4 ± 1.9 μg/mL; p < 0.001).
A correlation between scores obtained for the MD and AD concentrations (women: rho = 0.156; p = 0.02), (men: rho = 0.130; p = 0.02).
Schwingshackl et al. [21] 2014 A systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 interventional studies 2300 men and women, aged 25–77 y Adherence to the rules of the MD was related to significantly higher AD concentrations compared to the control diet (WMD: 1.69 mg/mL, 95% CI 0.27, 3.11; p = 0.02).
Maiorino et al. [15] 2016 Randomized control study 215 men and women with newly diagnosed T2DM, aged > 18 y Following the MD for a year was associated with an increase in total AD concentrations by 43% (6.12 vs. 8.80 μg/mL; p < 0.001) and HMV AD by 54% (2.41 vs. 3.72 μg/mL; p < 0.01).
Sureda et al. [16] 2018 Cross-sectional study 598 men and women, aged 12–65 y Adherence to the rules of the MD was related to significantly higher AD concentrations compared to non-adherence 13.1 ± 6.7 μg/mL vs. 9.5 ± 2.4 μg/mL; p < 0.05).
No correlation found in women and adolescents of both sexes.
Spadafranca et al. [20] 2018 Cohort study 99 normal weight, pregnant women, aged 25–43 y Women from the highest tertile of adhering to the MD were characterized by a lower decrease in the percentage of AD concentrations compared to women from the lowest tertile (10% ± 11% vs. −34% ± 3%; p = 0.01).
Luisi et al. [19] 2019 Interventional study 36 men and women, aged > 18 y Following the MD enhanced with 40 g/d of extra virgin olive oil was associated with increased AD concentrations (increase by 0.6 ± 0.26 μg/mL; p < 0.01 in a group with normal body weight and an increase by 1.6 ± 0.2 μg/mL; p < 0.01 in a group with excessive body weight).
Kouvari et al. [18] 2020 Prospective cohort study 3042 apparently healthy men and women, aged > 18 y Higher adherence to the MD was associated with markedly higher AD concentrations compared to the lowest adherence 4.8 ± 2.0 μg/mL vs. 3.4 ± 1.9 μg/mL; p < 0.001)
THE DASH DIET
Nilsson et al. [25] 2019 Cross-sectional study 112 women, aged 65–70 y The highest tertile of adherence to the DASH diet was associated with markedly higher AD concentrations compared to the lowest tertile (12.9 ± 3.3 μg/mL vs. 11.5 ± 3.4 μg/mL; p = 0.008).
PLANT-BASED DIET
Kahleova et al. [30] 2011 Randomized control study 74 men and women with T2DM, aged 30–70 y An increase in total AD by 19% (95% CI 7.5–25.4; p < 0.05) and HMV AD by 15% (95% CI 3.6–23.6; p < 0.05) after 24 weeks of following a vegetarian diet.
Ambroszkiewicz et al. [29] 2018 Cross-sectional study 117 prepubertal children, aged 5–10 y Following a vegetarian diet was associated with a significantly higher adiponectin to leptin ratio (0.70 (0.37–0.93) vs. 0.39 (0.28–0.74); p = 0.005) compared to the traditional diet.
Mirmiran et al. [65] 2019 Randomized cross-over clinical trial 31 men and women with T2DM, aged 50–75 y The consumption of two servings of pulses instead of red meat for eight weeks was associated with an increase in AD concentrations (10.5 ± 3.0 μg/mL vs. 13.1 ± 3.0 μg/mL; p < 0.05).
Lovrenčić et al. [31] 2020 Case-control study 76 non-obese men and women, aged 19–59 Following a vegetarian diet was associated with significantly higher AD concentrations compared to the traditional diet (p = 0.03). No correlation in men.
LOW-CALORIE DIET
Christiansen et al. [41] 2010 Randomized controlled trial 79 obese men and women, aged 18–45 y VLCD diet (800 kcal/d) was associated with a 19% increase in AD concentrations after 12 weeks (p < 0.01).
Abbenhardt et al. [42] 2013 Randomized controlled trial 439 overweight or obese postmenopausal women, aged 50–75 y AD concentrations increased by 9.5% after 12 months of following LCD (12.4 μg/mL (11.3–13.5) vs. 13.5 μg/mL (12.5–14.6); p < 0.0001) and by 6.6% (12.8 μg/mL (11.7–13.9) vs. 13.6 μg/mL (12.5–14.8); p = 0.0001) as a result of combining LCD with physical activity.
Bouchonville et al. [40] 2014 Randomized controlled trial 107 obese men and women, aged ≥65 y Calorie reduction of the diet by 500–700 kcal contributed to an increase in AD concentration by 8.9 μg/mL (3.5–14.8); p < 0.01), while the combination of reduction diet and physical activity contributed to an AD increase by 6.5 μg/mL (0.8–12.3; p = 0.02).
Salehi-Abargouei et al. [43] 2015 Systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional trials (13 interventional studies) 937 men and women, aged 20–75 y The use of LCD was associated with an increase in AD concentration (Hedges’ g = 0.34, 95 % CI 0.17–0.50; p < 0.001), especially if the diet was followed for at least 16 weeks (Hedges’ g for ≤ 16 weeks = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.12–0.83; p = 0.01, (Hedges’ g for > 6 weeks = 0.30, 95 % CI: 0.11–0.48; p = 0.002).
Monda et al. [39] 2020 Interventional study 20 obese men and women, aged 20–60 y The use of ketogenic VLCD for 8 weeks was associated with a significant increase in AD concentrations both in women (12.44 ± 1.07 μg/mL vs. 27.3 ± 1.33 μg/mL; p < 0.05), and in men (9.23 ± 0.7 μg/mL vs. 32.67 ± 1.6 μg/mL; p < 0.05).
POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS
Fargnoli et al. [13] 2008 Prospective cohort study 1922 women, free of CVD, diabetes and cancer, aged 30–55 y Women from the group characterized by the lowest ratio of PUFA to SFA consumption had significantly higher total AD (12.66 ± 1.03 μg/mL vs. 11.47 ± 1.03 μg/mL; p = 0.01) and HMW (4.19 ± 1.04 μg/mL vs. 3.60 ± 1.03 μg/mL; p = 0.005) compared to women with the highest ratio.
Kalgaonkar et al. [58] 2011 Randomized, prospective study 36 women with PCOS, aged 20–45 y The consumption of walnuts and almonds significantly increased AD concentrations (walnuts: 9.5 ± 1.6 μg/mL vs. 11.3 ± 1.8 μg/mL; p = 0.0241; almonds: 10.1 ± 1.5 μg/mL vs. 12.2 ± 1.4 μg/mL; p = 0.0262).
Nadjarzadeh et al. [53] 2015 Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. 84 women with polycystic ovary syndrome, aged > 18 y Omega-3 supplementation (180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA) for eight weeks significantly increased AD concentrations (4.44 ± 1.92 μg/mL vs. 5.62 ± 2.68 μg/mL; p < 0.005).
Gomes et al. [56] 2015 Randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trail 20 men and women with T2DM, aged 30–65 y Supplementation with 3 g of ALA increased AD concentrations after 60 days (10.61 ± 6.53 μg/mL vs. 15.01 ± 11.68 μg/mL; p = 0.01).
Balfegó et al. [51] 2016 Pilot randomized trial 35 men and women with T2DM, aged 40–70 y Introducing 10 g of sardines into the diet (five times a week for six months) was associated with a significant increase in AD concentrations (2.1 ± 0.3 μg/mL vs. 3.0 ± 0.3 μg/mL; p = 0.04)
Barbosa et al. [48] 2017 Randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial 80 men and women with at least one cardiovascular risk factor, aged 30–74 y Omega-3 supplementation (3 g/d) for two months significantly increased AD concentrations (14.8 ± 10.0 μg/mL vs. 18.2 ± 12.1 μg/mL; p = 0.021).
Mazaherioun et al. [49] 2017 Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial 88 men and women with T2DM, aged 30–65 y Omega-3 supplementation (2.7 g/d) significantly increased AD concentrations (5.09 ± 2.79 μg/mL vs. 5.58 ± 3.13 μg/mL; p < 0.001).
Mejia-Montilla et al. [54] 2018 Prospective study 195 women with PCOS, aged > 18 y N-3 supplementation (180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA) significantly increased AD concentrations (3.9 ± 1.1 μg/mL vs. 5.3 ± 1.4 μg/mL; p = 0.001), both in women with HOMA-IR <3.5 (3.9 ± 1.1 μg/mL vs. 5.3 ± 1.4 μg/mL; p < 0.0001), and in those with HOMA-IR >3.5 (4.1 ± 1.1 μg/mL vs. 5.6 ± 1.3 μg/mL; p = 0.005).
Song et al. [52] 2018 Double-blind randomized controlled trial 201 healthy men and women, aged > 40 y An increase in AD concentrations over 12 weeks as a result of omega-3 supplementation at a dose of: 3.1 g/d (5.79 ± 2.68 μg/mL vs. 6.36 ± 2.64 μg/mL; p < 0.05), 6.2 g/d (5.72 ± 2.07 μg/mL vs. 6.87 ± 2.58 μg/mL; p < 0.01) and 12.4 g/d (5.81 ± 2.13 μg/mL vs. 7.43 ± 2.63 μg/mL; p < 0.01).
Bahreini et al. [47] 2018 A systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional trials (10 randomized controlled trails) 177 men and women with T2DM, aged > 18 y An increase in AD concentrations by 0.57 μg/mL as a result of omega-3 supplementation (95% CI 0.15–1.31; p = 0.01).
Becic et al. [45] 2018 A systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional trials (10 randomized controlled trails) 460 men and women with prediabetes and T2DM, aged > 18 y An increase in AD concentrations by 0.48 μg/mL as a result of omega-3 supplementation (95% Cl 0.27–0.68; p < 0.00001).
Haidari et al. [55] 2020 Randomized open-labeled controlled clinical trial 41 women with PCOS, aged 18–45 y An increase in AD concentrations over 12 weeks as a result of supplementation with 30 g of ground linseed (13.04 ± 3.36 μg/mL vs. 17.36 ± 4.1 μg/mL; p = 0.002).
Khorrami et al. [50] 2020 Randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study 80 overweight or obese men and women with atrial fibrillation, aged > 50 y An increase in AD concentrations over eight weeks as a result of supplementation with 2 g/d of fish oil (11.88 ± 6.94 μg/mL vs. 13.15 ± 7.33 μg/mL; p = 0.026).
Yang et al. [59] 2020 A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (3 randomized controlled trails) 823 men and women, aged > 18 y The consumption of walnuts significantly increased AD concentrations (WMD: 0.440 μg/mL; 95% CI: 0.323 to 0.557; p < 0.001).
DIETARY FIBER
Qi et al. [63] 2005 Cross-sectional study 780 men with T2DM, aged 40–75 y Men from the highest quartile of dietary fiber consumption had significantly higher AD concentrations compared to men from the lowest quartile (17.3 μg/mL vs. 14.2 μg/mL; p = 0.006).
Mantzoros et al. [17] 2006 Cross-sectional study 987 diabetic women, aged 30–55 y The consumption of whole-grain cereal products was associated with significantly higher AD concentrations (6.11 ± 1.06 μg/mL vs. 4.92 ± 1.05 μg/mL; p < 0.01).
Fargnoli et al. [13] 2008 Prospective cohort study 1922 women free of CVD, diabetes and cancer, aged 30–55 y Women from the highest quartile of cereal fiber consumption were characterized by significantly higher total AD concentrations (14.73 ± 1.03 μg/mL vs. 13.36 ± 1.04 μg/mL; p < 0.04) and AD HMW (5.32 ± 1.04 μg/mL vs. 4.56 ± 1.04 μg/mL; p < 0.02) compared to women from the lowest quartile.
Pereira et al. [62] 2016 Observational, cross-sectional study 43 men and women, 18–60 y A higher consumption of fiber included in vegetables and fruit was associated with higher AD concentrations (r = 0.50; p = 0.0007). The concentrations of adiponectin were 4.7 μg/mL (p = 0.03) higher in individuals from the highest quartile of cereal fiber consumption compared to participants from the lowest quartile.
AlEssa et al. [64] 2016 Cross-sectional study 2458 women, free of diabetes, aged 43–70 y Women from the highest quintile of total fiber (p < 0.001), cereal fiber (p < 0.001), fruit fiber (p = 0.014) and vegetable fiber (p = 0.011) consumption had significantly higher AD concentrations compared to women from the lowest quintile.
CURCUMIN
Campos-Cervantes et al. [77] 2011 Randomized, single blind, placebo-controlled trial 50 obese men, aged 25–30 y An increase in AD concentrations after six and 12 weeks of supplementation with 500 mg of curcumin (after six weeks: 16.0 μg/mL vs. 18.5 μg/mL; p < 0.01 and after 12 weeks: 16.0 μg/mL vs. 18. μg/mL; p < 0.02).
Panahi et al. [76] 2016 Randomized controlled trial 117 men and women, aged > 18 y An increase in AD concentrations after eight weeks of supplementation with 1000 mg of curcumin (12.67 ± 2.13 μg/mL vs. 21.28 ± 4.40 μg/mL; p < 0.001).
Mirhafez et al. [78] 2019 Randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial 65 men and women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, aged > 18 y Supplementation with 250 mg/d of curcumin for wight weeks caused a significant increase in AD concentrations (14.35 ± 7.72 μg/mL vs. 18.23 ± 9.75 μg/mL; p < 0.001).
Adibian et al. [79] 2019 Randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial 44 men and women with T2DM, aged 40–70 y Supplementation with 1500 mg/d of curcumin for 10 weeks caused a significant increase in AD concentrations (52.0 ± 8.0 μg/mL vs. 64.0 ± 3.0 μg/mL; p < 0.0001).
Clark et al. [81] 2019 A systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional trials (10 randomized controlled trails) 652 men and women with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes subjects, obese men or with metabolic syndrome, aged 18–84 y Supplementation with curcumin caused a significant increase in AD concentrations compared to placebo (WMD: 0.82 Hedges’ g; 95% CI 0.33–1.30; p˂0.001).
A particularly beneficial effect of at least 10 weeks of supplementation (WMD: 1.05 Hedges’ g; 95% CI: 0.64 to 1.45; p ˂ 0.001).
Akbari et al. [80] 2019 Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (21 randomized controlled trails) 1646 men and women with metabolic syndrome An increase in AD concentrations after supplementation with curcumin (SMD 1.05; 95% CI 0.23–1.87; p = 0.01).
ANTHOCYANINS
Jeong et al. [84] 2014 Prospective randomized double-blind study 77 men and women with metabolic syndrome, aged 18–75 y Daily black raspberry consumption for 12 weeks was associated with an increase in AD concentrations (5.7 ± 5.1 μg/mL vs. 7.7 ± 5.0 μg/mL; p < 0.05).
Tucakovic et al. [82] 2018 Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial 20 apparently healthy men and women, aged 18–65 y Supplementation with the Queen Garnet plum for four weeks increased AD concentrations by the average of 3.83 μg/mL (p = 0.048).
Yang et al. [83] 2020 Randomized controlled trial 160 men and women with T2DM or prediabetes Anthocyanin supplementation for 12 weeks was associated with an increase in AD concentrations compared to placebo (increase by 0.46 μg/mL; p = 0.038).
RESVERATROL
Tomé-Carneiro et al. [85] 2013 Triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial 75 men and women, aged > 18 y Supplementation with grape extract for six months increased AD concentrations by 9.6% (p = 0.01).
Mohammadi-Sartang et al. [89] 2017 Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (9 randomized controlled trails) 590 men and women, aged > 18 y Resveratrol supplementation significantly increased AD concentrations (WMD: 1.10 μg/mL, 95% CI 0.88, 1.33; p < 0.001)
QUERCETIN
Kim et al. [87] 2016 Randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study 37 healthy overweight and obese women AD increase after 12 weeks of quercetin supplementation (3.6 ± 2.0 μg/mL vs. 6.9 ± 2.3 μg/mL; p < 0.05).
Rezvan et al. [88] 2018 Randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study 81 women with PCOS, aged 20–40 y An increased expression of the AD receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2) after 12 weeks of supplementation with 1 g/d of quercetin (p < 0.01).
LIGNANS
Shahi et al. [86] 2017 Randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study 48 men and women with T2DM, aged 30–60 y AD increase after eight weeks of supplementation with 200 mg/d of sesamin (6.21 ± 1.33 μg/mL vs. 7.34 ± 2.88 μg/mL; p = 0.024).
COFFEE
Williams et al. [70] 2008 Prospective cohort study 982 women with T2DM and 1058 nondiabetic women The consumption of ≥4 cups of coffee daily was associated with significantly higher AD compared to the consumption of <1 cup a week (women with T2DM: 7.7 vs. 6.1 μg/mL; p = 0.002, nondiabetic women: 15.0 vs. 13.2 μg/mL; p = 0.04).
Kempf et al. [68] 2010 Single-blind clinical trial 47 men and women, free of T2DM, aged 18–65 y The consumption of eight cups of coffee daily was associated with significantly higher AD concentrations compared to consuming no coffee (8421 (6634–11256) ng/mL vs. 7957 (6317, 10901) ng/mL; p < 0.05).
Imatoh et al. [71] 2011 Cross-sectional study 665 men, aged > 18 y The consumption of ≥3 cups of coffee daily was associated with significantly higher AD compared to consuming no coffee (6.9 ± 3.3 μg/mL vs. 6.0 ± 2.6 μg/mL; p < 0.01).
Yamashita et al. [69] 2012 Cross-sectional study 3317 men and women, aged 35–69 y The consumption of ≥4 cups of coffee daily was associated with significantly higher AD compared to the consumption of <1 cup a week (7.23 (6.84–7.65) μg/mL vs. 6.58 (6.40–6.76) μg/mL; p = 0.005).
GREEN TEA
Hsu et al. [73] 2008 Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial 78 obese women, aged 16–60 y An increase in AD concentrations after 12 weeks of supplementation with 400 mg of green tea extract (18.9 ± 6.7 μg/mL vs. 21.4 ± 8.7 μg/mL; p < 0.01).
Fragopoulou et al. [5] 2010 Cross-sectional study 532 men and women free of CVD, aged > 18 y A correlation was found between green tea consumption and AD concentrations (rho = 0.108; p = 0.04).
Liu et al. [74] 2014 Randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial 102 men and women with T2DM, aged 20–65 y An increase in AD concentrations after 16 weeks of supplementation with 500 mg of green tea extract (20.2 ± 5.1 μg/mL vs. 21.7 ± 5.1 μg/mL; p < 0.046).
Chen et al. [72] 2016 Randomized, double-blind trial 92 obese women, aged 20–60 y An increase in AD concentrations after 12 weeks of supplementation with 856.8 mg of green tea extract (20.9 ± 11.0 μg/mL vs. 24.0 ± 10.7 μg/mL; p = 0.009).
DAIRY PRODUCTS
Yannakoulia et al. [92] 2008 Cross-sectional study 196 apparently healthy women, aged 18–84 y A correlation occurred between AD and a dietary pattern rich in low-fat dairy and whole-grain cereal products (r = 0.15; p = 0.04).
Niu et al. [93] 2013 Cross-sectional one-year longitudinal study 938 apparently healthy men and women, aged > 18 y The consumption of low-fat milk products (58.9–375 g/d) was associated with significantly higher AD concentrations compared to no consumption of such products (8.3 (7.8, 8.9) μg/mL vs. 7.3 (6.9, 7.6) μg/mL; p < 0.01).
Fragopoulou et al. [5] 2010 Cross-sectional study 532 man and women free of CVD, aged > 18 y A correlation occurred between the consumption of low-fat milk products and AD concentrations (rho = 0.119, p = 0.04).
Bahari et al. [91] 2018 Cross-sectional study 612 men and women, 35–69 y A diet characterized by the higher consumption of milk products was associated with higher AD concentrations (4.78 (3.24, 7.38) μg/mL vs. 3.68 (2.42, 6.12) μg/mL; p = 0.004).
ALCOHOL
Pischon et al. [12] 2005 Prospective cohort study 532 men, aged 40–75 y Men from the highest quintile of AD concentrations (>24.9 μg/mL) consumed significantly more alcohol (16.2 ± 1.06 g/d vs. 13.05 ± 0.7 g/d) compared to men from the lowest quintile of AD concentrations (<10.6 μg/mL); p = 0.006).
A correlation occurred between AD concentrations and alcohol consumption (r = 0.14; p = 0.002).
Fargnoli et al. [13] 2008 Prospective cohort study 1922 women free of CVD, diabetes and cancer, aged 30–55 y Total AD concentrations were 28% higher (16.01 ± 1.03 vs. 12.50 ± 1.03; p < 0.0001) and HMW AD concentrations were 45% higher (6.10 ± 1.04 vs. 4.21 ± 1.03; p < 0.0001) in women from the highest quintile of alcohol consumption compared to those who consumed no alcohol.
Beulens et al. [95] 2007 Randomized, controlled, cross-over trial 17 apparently healthy men, aged 18–40 y Moderate alcohol consumption (32 g/d) for four weeks caused an increase in total AD concentrations by 12.5% (p < 0.001).
Bell et al. [94] 2015 Prospective cohort study 2855 men and women, aged 40–63 y Alcohol consumption was cross-sectionally associated with AD concentrations (β = 0.003; p < 0.001).
Nova et al. [96] 2019 Observational cross-sectional study 240 men and women, aged 55–85 y Wine consumption was associated with higher AD (β = 204, 95% CI: 37–370; p = 0.017).

Abbreviations: CVD, Cardiovascular disease; y, years; AHEI, Alternate Healthy Eating Index; AD, adiponectin; AD HMW, high-molecular-weight adiponectin; MD, Mediterranean diet; WMD, Weighted Mean Difference, T2DM, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus; DASH, Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension; VLCD, very low calorie diet; LCD, low calorie diet; PUFA, Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids; SFA, Saturated Fatty Acids; PCOS, polycystic ovary syndrome; EPA, eicosapentaenoic acid; DHA, docosahexaenoic acid; ALA, α-linolenic acid; HOMA-IR, Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance.