Effects of Freeze Dried Strawberry Powder Supplementation on Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Gut Microbiome

Not Applicable

Terminated

• Conditions: Cardiovascular Risk Factor
• Interventions: Dietary Supplement: Strawberry powder; Dietary Supplement: Placebo powder

• Registration Number: NCT03522974
• Lead Sponsor: University of Arizona

Brief Summary

Dietary interventions designed to promote health by increasing the consumption of particular health-promoting foods (e.g., strawberries) generally target blood pressure and LDL-C; however, CVD risk reduction may also be achieved via changes in emerging endpoints such as the gut microbiome. Previous research suggests that strawberries have the potential to reduce LDL-C, but it remains unclear whether there is a dose-response relationship. Moreover, few studies have evaluated effects on vascular health or characterized changes in the gut microbiome following daily strawberry consumption. Additionally, previous studies have largely been conducted among Caucasian populations. Given the demographics of the US, it is important to evaluate effects in study populations that include ethnicities that may have higher risk of type 2 diabetes and/or other CVD risk factors, such as Hispanics. This study aims to examine the effects of 4 weeks of supplementation with two doses of freeze dried strawberry powder (low dose: 13 g/d and high dose: 40 g/d) on: 1) LDL-C and blood pressure; 2) gut microbiome profile; and 3) other CVD and type 2 diabetes risk factors, including glucose, insulin, and inflammatory markers. Overweight (BMI 25-36 kg/m2) but otherwise healthy adults with moderately elevated LDL-C (\>3.0 mmol/L) and/or prehypertension (120-159/80-99 mm Hg) will be enrolled. This will optimize the potential for observing significant benefits on these outcomes. 50 eligible participants will be recruited with the expectation that at least 40 will complete the study. The placebo-controlled, crossover study design will allow for a direct comparison of dose-response within the same participant. The investigators anticipate that the bioactive components of strawberries will reduce LDL-C and blood pressure, and modify the gut microbiome, with greater changes on the high dose. There is preliminary evidence that polyphenol-rich foods can modify gut microbiota profiles, but this would be the first study to characterize the effects of daily strawberry consumption. The investigators are uniquely placed at the University of Arizona to enroll a larger percentage of Hispanic participants, who are often under-represented in clinical nutritional research. Results from the proposed study will improve understanding of how strawberries might promote health, and could provide further support for the incorporation of whole freeze dried fruit in dietary guidelines.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2018-04-30
• Study First Submitted QC: 2018-04-30
• Study First Posted: 2018-05-14
• Study Start: 2019-11-01
• Primary Completion: 2021-03-23
• Study Completion: 2021-03-23
• Status Verified: 2024-02
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-02-13
• Last Update Posted: 2024-02-15

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: TERMINATED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 1

Inclusion Criteria

• At least one of the following:

  • LDL-C above 3.0 mmol/L (116 mg/dL)
  • Systolic blood pressure of 120-159 mmHg
  • Diastolic blood pressure of 80-99 mmHg

• Total cholesterol below 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL)

• Triglycerides below 350 mg/dL

Exclusion Criteria

• Allergies to strawberries
• History of CVD, Stage II hypertension (BP ≥ 160/100 mmHg), kidney disease, diabetes, or inflammatory diseases such as GI disorders and rheumatoid arthritis
• Use of medications/supplements for elevated lipids, blood pressure, or glucose
• Chronic use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressant drugs
• Conditions requiring chronic use of steroids

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: CROSSOVER

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Strawberry powder (high dose)	Strawberry powder	40 g/d freeze dried strawberry powder
Placebo	Placebo powder	40 g/d placebo powder
Strawberry powder (low dose)	Strawberry powder	13 g/d freeze dried strawberry powder

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Brachial and central blood pressure	4-6- weeks	systolic and diastolic blood pressures
LDL-C/non-HDL-C	4-6 weeks

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV)	4-6 weeks
Augmentation Index	4-6 weeks	augmentation index corrected for heart rate
Glucose	4-6 weeks	fasting glucose
Other lipids and lipoproteins	4-6 weeks	HDL-C, total cholesterol, and triglycerides
Insulin	4-6 weeks	fasting insulin

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Arizona; 🇺🇸 Tucson, Arizona, United States