Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/3137
Date of Award
6-2025
Degree Name
MS in Agriculture - Food Science and 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
Glycemic control is directly related to type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). As of 2023, 30.5 million Americans have T2DM, and this number only continues to increase exponentially across the world (“Facts & Figures,” n.d.). T2DM is only a precursor to fatal conditions including cardiovascular disease, the number one cause of death in the United States. Extensive research has revealed that strawberries, a high polyphenolic food, may pose positive effects on glycemic control biomarkers. This study aimed to investigate the effect of three servings of strawberries in the form of 39-g of freeze-dried strawberry powder (FDSP) for six weeks on glycemic biomarkers in overweight or obese postmenopausal women. The study analyzed the following biomarkers, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, fasting insulin, fasting glucose, adiponectin, TNF-a, IL-1b, and IL-6. Additionally, dietary intake and physical activity were analyzed for interactions with the outcome. The present study was a 16-18 week free-living, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial that began in February 2019 and ended in January 2023. Participants were assigned to one of two dietary patterns, FDSP–Placebo or Placebo–FDSP, where they underwent two dietary interventions for six weeks each with a washout period of 2-3 weeks, before and after the first intervention. To limit confounding factors participants were instructed to high polyphenolic foods outline in a handout. A statistical analysis revealed no significant improvements in analyzed biomarkers although insignificant improvements were found in HbA1c, HOMA-IR, fasting glucose, and fasting insulin. No significant changes were revealed for inflammatory glycemic control biomarkers. The present study provides valuable information on the effect of strawberries on glycemic control on postmenopausal women although further research is necessary to find significance and make accurate claims.