A 28-week randomized controlled crossover trial, led by Dr. Shauna Groven and colleagues from the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, examined the health benefits of consuming freeze-dried strawberries (FDS) in individuals at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Prediabetes, a condition marked by mildly elevated blood glucose levels, increases oxidative stress and inflammation—factors that accelerate the onset of type 2 diabetes and related cardiovascular complications. Antioxidant-rich foods such as strawberries contain polyphenols and carotenoids that may help neutralize oxidative damage and improve insulin function.
In this trial, 25 adults with prediabetes who were not taking glucose-lowering medications participated in two 12-week study phases, separated by a 4-week washout period. During one phase, participants consumed 32 grams of FDS daily—equivalent to about 2.5 servings of fresh strawberries—while maintaining their usual diet and activity levels. The other phase served as a control period with no strawberry consumption.
Blood samples were collected at multiple time points to assess fasting glucose, antioxidant enzyme activity, and vascular inflammation markers. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare outcomes between the intervention and control periods, adjusting for potential confounding factors.
The study led to the following findings:
- Strawberry supplementation significantly improved key biomarkers in adults with prediabetes.
- Participants consuming freeze-dried strawberries showed increased levels of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase and glutathione.
- Total antioxidant capacity and β-carotene levels were notably enhanced during the strawberry phase.
- Fasting blood glucose levels decreased significantly compared to the control period.
- Levels of vascular inflammation markers, such as intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM), were reduced.
- A negative correlation was observed between antioxidant levels and inflammation markers, indicating that higher antioxidant status was linked to lower inflammation.
- No significant changes were seen in catalase, glutathione reductase, or α-carotene levels.
The research team emphasized that these improvements likely stem from the rich mix of polyphenols, anthocyanins, and carotenoids naturally present in strawberries, which strengthen the body’s antioxidant defense system and support metabolic health. Only mild side effects, such as minor digestive discomfort, were reported.
According to the authors, the results provide encouraging evidence that a practical, food-based approach like daily strawberry consumption could serve as a supportive strategy in prediabetes management and diabetes prevention. However, they acknowledged limitations such as the small, mostly female sample size and single-site recruitment, noting that larger multicenter trials are needed to confirm these findings in broader populations.
The study concludes that consuming approximately 2.5 servings of strawberries per day may provide a simple, non-pharmacological approach to enhance antioxidant capacity, reduce inflammation, and maintain healthy glucose levels in individuals with prediabetes.
Reference:
Groven, S., Devillez, P., Scofield, R. H., Champion, A., Izuora, K., & Basu, A. (2025). Dietary Strawberries Improve Serum Antioxidant Profiles in Adults with Prediabetes: A 28-Week Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial. Antioxidants, 14(10), 1258. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14101258
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