The effect of date seed powder supplementation on glycaemic markers and lipid profile in women with overweight and obesity: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

SummaryThis randomised controlled trial aimed to investigate the effect of date kernel on glycaemic control, lipid profile, and weight in women with overweight and obesity. A total of 124 women with overweight or obesity were randomly assigned to receive the date kernel supplement or placebo for 12 weeks. Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography and fasting plasma glucose and lipid profiles by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits. In all, 98 subjects aged 40.7 years completed the trial (48 in the date kernel group and 50 in the placebo group). After 12 weeks, date kernel supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in HbA1c [mean (SD): −0.45 (0.36)] and fasting plasma glucose compared to the placebo [−0.16 (0.27)]. No significant change was observed in the lipid profiles of the total participants. However, date kernel decreased cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) in hypercholesterolaemic and hypertriglyceridaemic participants compared to the placebo. Date kernel improved glycaemic markers in overweight or obese women compared with the placebo. Furthermore, a significant reduction in total cholesterol and TG was observed only in hyperlipidaemic subjects. Date seed is a source of valuable components, including dietary fibre and bioactive compounds, that could provide economic, nutritional, and health benefits to the nutraceutical and food industries.