Effects of freeze-dried strawberries on lipid profile and glycated hemoglobin in subjects with type 2 diabetes: a double blind randomized control trial

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death among diabetics. Strawberries have high micronutrient and phenolic compound contents، which makes them the subject of considerable interest. This study investigated the effects of freeze-dried strawberry powder (FDS) on cardiovascular complications in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients. Thirty-six subjects with T2D (23 females; BMI: 27. 90 ± 3. 7 kg/m2; age: 51. 57 ±10 yr (means ± SE)) consumed 2 cups of freeze-dried strawberry beverage (50 g freeze-dried strawberries ∼ 500 g fresh strawberries) or iso-caloric placebo powder that resembled FDS in flavor and color daily for 6 wk in a randomized-double blind controlled trial. Anthropometrics، assessment of dietary intake، HbA1c، and lipid profile were recorded at baseline and week 6 of the study. Strawberry supplementation significantly decreased HbA1c (-5. 5%، p = 0. 002). Total cholesterol (-7. 5%، p = 0. 000) and the ratio of total cholesterol to high density lipoprotein (-7. 1، p = 0. 002) also decreased. There were no significant changes observed for low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL). Supplementation with FDS can be considered an adjunct therapy to ameliorate the complications of type 2 diabetes.