Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/3074
Date of Award
6-2025
Degree Name
MS in Nutrition
Department/Program
Food Science and Nutrition
College
College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences
Advisor
Kari Pilolla
Advisor Department
Food Science and Nutrition
Advisor College
College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences
Abstract
Cardiometabolic diseases are a significant health burden worldwide and remain the leading cause of death among adults in the United States. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a central component of cardiometabolic dysfunction and substantially increases the risk for cardiovascular disease. As women enter the post-menopausal period, significant declines in estrogen levels lead to a heightened risk of T2DM in this population. Observational and experimental evidence has shown potential for fruits high in anthocyanins (ACs) to reduce the risk of T2DM and improve glycemic control. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the current research on whole fruits high in ACs on glycemic control in women. This meta-analysis included 12 studies and followed the guidelines set by PRISMA 2020. The analysis showed no significant effect of AC-rich fruit consumption on biomarkers of glycemic control, including fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, fasting insulin, and the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance. Further research is needed using larger, female-specific samples and standardized interventions to determine the clinical utility of anthocyanins in cardiometabolic risk reduction.