A recent study published in the journal Antioxidants has demonstrated that consuming freeze-dried strawberries (FDS) daily significantly enhances antioxidant status, reduces inflammation, and improves fasting glucose levels in adults with prediabetes. This research, conducted over 28 weeks at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, involved 25 participants who met the American Diabetes Association’s criteria for prediabetes.
The study followed a randomized controlled crossover design, where participants underwent two 12-week phases of FDS consumption and control (no strawberries), separated by a 4-week washout period. Each participant consumed 32 g/day of FDS powder, equivalent to 2.5 servings of fresh strawberries, containing dietary fiber, polyphenols, flavonols, and anthocyanins.
Results indicated that FDS intake significantly improved antioxidant markers, including superoxide dismutase, glutathione, antioxidant capacity, and β-carotene. Fasting glucose levels decreased notably, and vascular inflammation markers, such as intercellular and vascular cell adhesion molecules, were reduced during the FDS phase. Compliance was high, confirmed by plasma ellagic acid levels.
Prediabetes is a critical stage between normal glucose metabolism and type 2 diabetes (T2DM), marked by mild hyperglycemia that contributes to oxidative stress and inflammation. Elevated blood glucose increases reactive oxygen species (ROS), impairing insulin function and damaging pancreatic β-cells. Dietary antioxidants, including those in strawberries, can counteract oxidative stress and improve glycemic outcomes.
The findings suggest that daily FDS consumption could serve as a practical dietary intervention to enhance antioxidant defenses and reduce inflammation, potentially preventing the progression to T2DM. However, the study’s limitations include a small, predominantly female sample and lack of participant blinding, which may affect generalizability.
This trial, funded by the California Strawberry Commission, underscores the potential of integrating FDS into daily diets to support metabolic health in prediabetic individuals.
