Consumption Of Strawberries Research Articles

Berry Consumption in Relation to Allostatic Load in US Adults: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003-2010.

Berries are a rich source of antioxidant polyphenols and other nutrients that are associated with good health. Allostatic load (AL) is an aggregate measure of chronic stress-induced physiological dysregulations across cardiovascular, metabolic, autonomic, and immune systems; the extent of these dysregulations, collectively or in each system, can be characterized by a composite score or a domain score assessed by integrated biomarkers. It was hypothesized that the anti-inflammatory and other effects of berries lower AL. The association was determined between berry consumption and AL composite and domain scores in the 2003-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Berry intake was measured using two 24 h dietary recalls collected from US adults in the 2003-2010 NHANES (n = 7684). The association with AL and its specific domains was examined using population weight-adjusted multivariable linear regression. The mean AL composite scores for consumers of any berries (11.9), strawberries (11.6), and blueberries (11.6), respectively, were significantly lower than nonconsumers (12.3), after fully adjusting for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and dietary confounders. A significant dose-response relationship was determined between greater consumption of total berries, strawberries, and blueberries and lower mean AL composite scores (p-trend < 0.05, for all). Consistently, mean cardiovascular and metabolic domain scores remained significantly lower in the consumers of total berries (mean cardiovascular domain score: 4.73 versus 4.97 for nonconsumers; mean metabolic domain score: 2.97 versus 3.1), strawberries (4.73 versus 4.95; 2.99 versus 3.1), and blueberries (4.6 versus 4.95; 2.92 versus 3.11). Berry consumers also had significantly lower mean AL immune scores (1.52 versus 1.56) and lower mean AL autonomic scores (2.49 versus 2.57) than nonconsumers (initial sample: n = 15,620). The current study indicates that consumption of berries lowers the AL composite scores and potentially reduces stress-related disease risks in the US adult population.

Current-use pesticide exposure pathways in Czech adults and children from the CELSPAC-SPECIMEn cohort

IntroductionIn this study, we aimed to characterise exposure to pyrethroids, organophosphates, and tebuconazole through multiple pathways in 110 parent–child pairs participating in the CELSPAC–SPECIMEn study. MethodsFirst, we estimated the daily intake (EDI) of pesticides based on measured urinary metabolites. Second, we compared EDI with estimated pesticide intake from food. We used multiple linear regression to identify the main predictors of urinary pesticide concentrations. We also assessed the relationship between urinary pesticide concentrations and organic and non-organic food consumption while controlling for a range of factors. Finally, we employed a model to estimate inhalation and dermal exposure due to spray drift and volatilization after assuming pesticide application in crop fields. ResultsEDI was often higher in children in comparison to adults, especially in the winter season. A comparison of food intake estimates and EDI suggested diet as a critical pathway of tebuconazole exposure, less so in the case of organophosphates. Regression models showed that consumption per g of peaches/apricots was associated with an increase of 0.37% CI [0.23% to 0.51%] in urinary tebuconazole metabolite concentrations. Consumption of white bread was associated with an increase of 0.21% CI [0.08% to 0.35%], and consumption of organic strawberries was inversely associated (-61.52% CI [-79.34% to -28.32%]), with urinary pyrethroid metabolite concentrations. Inhalation and dermal exposure seemed to represent a relatively small contribution to pesticide exposure as compared to dietary intake. ConclusionIn our study population, findings indicate diet plays a significant role in exposure to the analysed pesticides. We found an influence of potential exposure due to spray drift and volatilization among the subpopulation residing near presumably sprayed crop fields to be minimal in comparison. However, the lack of data indicating actual spraying occurred during the critical 24-hour period prior to urine sample collection could be a significant contributing factor.

Produtividade e análise de caracteres morfológicos de genótipos experimentais de morangueiro

ABSTRACT In the world the consumption of strawberries is very appreciated, both in natura or industrialized form. Brazilian production depends on the importation of strawberry seedlings from countries such as Spain, Chile and Argentina, which are cultivars improved in temperate climates and, consequently, not well adapted to the Brazilian tropical conditions. Thus, genetic breeding programs are essential for the generation of more adapted cultivars. The objective was to evaluate and characterize the performance of experimental strawberry genotypes. The statistical design adopted was in randomized blocks, with 12 treatments and 3 replications, the treatments consisting of seven experimental genotypes and five commercial cultivars. We evaluated the total production per plant (g/plant), average weight of fruits per plant (g/fruit), % of commercial fruits per plant, and morphological characterization. The experimental genotypes MFA443, MCA94, MDA23, MDA06 and MCA89 showed the highest strawberry yields per plant, respectively, 285 g, 254 g, 298 g, 295 g and 290 g, with emphasis on the genotype MFA12-443, which also presented the highest average weight of fruits (20.35 g) and percentage of commercial fruits (81%).

Strawberry– More than a Popular Summer Fruit: A Mini-Review

Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa) are well known for their attractive red fruits, characteristic aroma and distinct taste. They are grown and eaten all over the world and they are considered a popular summer fruit. Apart from the abovementioned valued characteristics, strawberry fruits are a significant source of vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, phytochemicals, polyphenols, and antioxidants. In recent years, the increase in production and consumption of strawberries around the world can be noticed. Additionally, strawberries are now considered a ‘functional food’ due to the associated taste, nutritional composition, phytochemicals and multiple health benefits. The review provides a brief overview of strawberries not only as popular summer fruits, but also as health-promoting beneficial fruits. The nutritious, dietary and phytochemical properties as well as biological benefits of strawberries on human health are highlighted. The synergetic role of strawberry as a functional food and some of the key pre-harvest and post-harvest factors which influence strawberry yield and overall fruit quality are discussed. Apart from the numerous benefits associated with strawberries, some allergies are also linked with their consumption which is also mentioned in the article.

Survival time of Leptospira kirschneri on strawberries.

In the past decade, two leptospirosis outbreaks occurred among strawberry harvesters in Germany, with 13, and 45 reported cases respectively. In both outbreaks, common voles (Microtus arvalis) infected with Leptospira kischneri serovar Grippotyphosa were identified as the most likely outbreak source. In an univariate analysis, eating unwashed strawberries was identified as one of the risk factors associated with Leptospira infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the survival time of L. kirschneri serovar Grippotyphosa on strawberries under varying conditions. Strawberries were spiked with 5x109 of both a laboratory reference strain (strain Moskva V) and an outbreak field strain (94-6/2007) of L. kirschneri serovar Grippotyphosa sequence type 110. Survival times were investigated in a fully crossed design with three incubation times (2h, 4h, 6h and 8h) and three temperatures (15°C, 21°C and 25°C) with three replicated for each condition. A wash protocol was developed and recovered Leptospira were determined by qPCR, dark field microscopy and culturing. Viable L. kirschneri of both the reference strain and the field strain were identified in all samples at 25°C and an incubation time of 2h, but only 1/9 (11%) and 4/9 (44%) of the samples incubated at 15°C were positive, respectively. Both reference and field strain were viable only in 2/9 (22%) at 25° after 6h. After an 8h incubation, viable Leptospira could not be identified on the surface of the strawberries or within the fruit for any of the tested conditions. Based on these results, the exposure risk of consumers to viable Leptospira spp. through the consumption of strawberries bought at the retail level is most likely very low. However, there is a potential risk of Leptospira infection by consumption of strawberries on pick-your-own farms.

Dose-Response Effects of Strawberries on Atherogenic Lipoproteins: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial

Abstract Objectives Previous research indicates that consumption of strawberries may provide benefits for reduction of atherogenic lipoproteins but has not identified an optimal dose. Our objective was to evaluate effects of 2 doses of strawberry powder, approximately equivalent to 1 and 3 servings of strawberries per day, on serum lipoprotein concentrations. Methods Middle-aged adults (n = 40, age 49 ± 1 year) with elevated LDL-C (140 ± 4 mg/dL) and elevated BMI (29.4 ± 0.4 kg/m2) consumed 0 g/d (control), 13 g/d (low-dose), and 40 g/d (high-dose) of freeze-dried strawberry powder in a randomized crossover design (4-week supplementation periods separated by a 2 week compliance break). Fasting blood samples were obtained on two separate days (and averaged) at study-entry baseline and following each supplementation period. Results There were significant main effects of treatment (P ≤ 0.05) for calculated LDL-C, nonHDL-C, and total cholesterol (TC). In post hoc tests, the low-dose resulted in 5% lower LDL-C vs. the high-dose (P = 0.01), 4% lower nonHDL-C vs. control (P = 0.04), and 3% lower TC for the low-dose vs. control and high-dose (P ≤ 0.04). Compared to baseline, low-dose strawberry supplementation also significantly reduced direct LDL-C (−6.8 mg/dL, P = 0.02), but there was not a main effect of treatment. Conclusions Our results suggest that low-dose supplementation with freeze dried strawberry powder, roughly equivalent to one serving of strawberries per day, was superior to high-dose supplementation for improving atherogenic lipoproteins in overweight adults. Funding Sources California Strawberry Commission.

Magnitude of picoxystrobin residues in strawberry under Egyptian conditions: dissipation pattern and consumer risk assessment

ABSTRACT Picoxystrobin is a synthetic strobilurin fungicide widely used in Egypt to control downy and powdery mildews, a risk that is significant also in cultivating strawberries. In the ccurrent work, the safety to consumers from the use of picoxystrobin in strawberries along with its residue behaviour was studied. Supervised field trials were conducted to investigate the residue dynamics and terminal residues of picoxystrobin in strawberries under Egyptian conditions for several agricultural practices including worst-case scenarios. For the measurement of residues in fruit, a QuEChERS-based protocol coupled with LC–MS/MS was employed and successfully validated at 0.001 mg kg−1. A decline of picoxystrobin residues in fruit fitted a first-order decay process with a calculated t1/2 of 5.4 days with a significant degradation (79%) after 14 days. A consumer risk assessment was performed employing both FAO/WHO and EFSA approaches, in which no significant health risks after consumption of strawberries were identified.

Evaluation of dissipation, unit–unit-variability and terminal residue of etoxazole residues in strawberries from two different parts in Egypt

Etoxazole is a systemic acaricide widely used in several crops with important significance in strawberries in order to control mites. Consequently, the presence of etoxazole residues in strawberries cannot be excluded. But, are these residues safe for the consumers and in compliance with the regulatory limits? To address these questions, the dissipation kinetics and the terminal residue of etoxazole in field strawberry fruits in Egypt were investigated and a dietary exposure risk assessment was performed. A decline of etoxazole residues in strawberries as a first-order decay process demonstrating a half-life (t1/2) of 2.8 days and a significant degradation (97.7%) after 14 days. In all cases, variability factors estimated for etoxazole in strawberries were stable ranging from 1.50 to 1.94 at several preharvest intervals. Regarding the compliance with EUMRLs, the selection of the appropriate preharvest interval was critical. No evident risk to consumers was identified from the consumption of outdoor strawberries following the Good Agricultural Practices in Egypt.

Effects of short-term consumption of strawberry powder on select parameters of vascular health in adolescent males.

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in the United States and much of the developed world, costing billions of dollars in lost work time, lower productivity and high health care expenditures. Research on foods and bioactive food components that have cardioprotective benefits may provide new insights as to how modest changes in one's diet may result in a reduced risk of vascular disease. In intervention trials, the consumption of strawberries, either fresh or freeze-dried, has been reported to improve select markers of cardiovascular health, including improved lipid profiles, microvascular function, and platelet reactivity. Consistent with the above, epidemiological studies suggest beneficial effects of strawberries on vascular function. Preliminary studies on the effects of freeze-dried strawberry powder on vascular health are reviewed in the current paper.

Wild strawberry polyphenols exhibit gut-protective bioactivity following in vivo digestion

AbstractBerries are one of the most commonly consumed sources of bioactive polyphenols and these compounds may exert protective effects against initiation of colorectal cancer (CRC) by reducing DNA damage. The inverse correlation between fruit and vegetable consumption and the incidence of CRC is well established, hence the role of berry derived bioactive phytochemicals in promotion of gut health is of interest. Ileostomy studies provide a unique insight into food digestion, allowing identification of physiologically relevant dietary phytochemicals and their metabolites. Here, we hypothesised that physiologically relevant levels of Italian wild strawberry metabolites exiting the ileum would be both bioavailable and would in turn exert positive effects on gut health markers.Five ileostomists completed a wild strawberry feeding study (11/NI/0112), ileal fluid was collected pre (0 h) and post (8 h) consumption of strawberries (225 g) and assessed for phytochemical composition by LCMSn. We simulated the interaction of the ileal fluids with colonic microbiota over a 24 h period (0, 5,10, 24 hr) using in vitro gut fermenter models. Nutri-kinetic analysis using LCMSn demonstrated significant increases in the concentration of gut microbiota-mediated polyphenolic metabolites over time, including 3-(4hydroxyphenyl) propionic acid, 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl) propanoic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid and urolithin A. While changes in the bacterial composition of the gut fermenter model(s) were monitored using fluorescent in situ hybridisation analysis (FISH) with validated probes for Total bacteria, Bifidobacterium genus, Clostridium histolyticum/perfringens group, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Eubacterium rectale group, Bacteroides, Lactobacilli and Enterobacteria; limited changes were observed.Bioactivity of the post-berry consumption ileal fermentates was assessed on two colonocyte cell lines (HT29 and CCD841 CON (normal)) using the oxidative challenge COMET assay. Post-berry ileal fermentate (24 h) from all five ileostomists significantly (p &lt; 0.01) decreased DNA damage (expressed as %Tail DNA) in both HT29 cells (~45%) and CCD841 cells (~25%) compared to untreated controls.To conclude, strawberry phytochemicals were available for colonic fermentation following ileal digestion and human microbiota-mediated fermentation which subsequently increased overall levels of polyphenolic metabolites, the post berry fermentates were demonstrated to reduce DNA damage in colonocytes.

Association of Strawberries and Anthocyanidin Intake with Alzheimer's Dementia Risk.

Background: Strawberries have been identified to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that improve neuronal function and cognition, mostly in animal studies. It is unknown if the consumption of strawberries or related bioactives may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s dementia risk. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in 925 participants, aged 58–98 years of the Rush Memory and Aging Project. Participants were dementia-free at baseline, completed a food frequency questionnaire, and had at least two annual neurological evaluations. The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s dementia was based on structured clinical neurological examination and standardized diagnostic criteria. The association of strawberry intake and incident Alzheimer’s dementia was analyzed using proportional hazard models adjusted for age, sex, education, physical activity, participation in cognitive activities, APOE-ɛ4 genotype, dietary intake of other fruits, and total calorie intake. Results: A total of 245 participants developed Alzheimer’s dementia over the mean follow-up of 6.7 (±3.6) years. Higher strawberry intake was associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer’s dementia (HR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.60–0.96). In separate adjusted models, highest vs. lowest quartile intakes of Vitamin C (HR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.45, 0.92), Pelargonidin (0.63, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.92), total anthocyanidins (0.69, 95% CI: 0.48, 0.99), and total flavonoids (0.67, 95% CI: 0.46, 0.98) were each associated with lower Alzheimer’s dementia risk. These associations remained after further adjustment for cardiovascular conditions. Conclusion: Consumption of strawberries and foods rich in vitamin C, pelargonidin, anthocyanidins, and total flavonoids may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s dementia.

Strawberry Consumption Associated with Reduced Alzheimer’s Dementia Risk (FS05-06-19)

ObjectivesStrawberries have been identified to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that improve neuronal function and cognition, mostly in animal studies. It is not known whether consumption of strawberries is associated with risk of Alzheimer’s dementia (AD). The objective of this study is to investigate the relation between strawberry intake and Incident Alzheimer’s dementia. MethodsThe study was conducted in 925 participants (mean age: 81.2 ± 7.2 years, mean education: 15 ± 3 years) of the Rush Memory and Aging Project who completed a food frequency questionnaire and had at least two annual neurological evaluations. Frequency of strawberry consumption was modeled as a continuous variable with values of 0 for never or less than once a month; 0.5 for 1–3 times/month; 1.0 for once -per week, and 2 for 2–4 times/week. The diagnosis of AD was based on criteria of the joint working group of the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke and the AD and Related Disorders Association. Data was analyzed using proportional hazard models adjusted for age, sex, education, physical activity, participation in cognitive activities, dietary intake of other fruits, and total calorie intake. ResultsA total of 235 participants developed Alzheimer’s dementia over the mean follow-up of 6.5 (±3.6) years. Higher strawberry intake was associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer’s dementia (HR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.60–0.96). Participants who consumed strawberries more than once/week were 32% less likely to develop AD (HR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.48–0.97) compared with non-consumers. These associations remained after further adjustment for green leafy vegetable intake and APOE- ɛ4 status. ConclusionsHigher strawberry consumption may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s dementia. Funding SourcesCalifornia Strawberry Commission.

The healthy effects of strawberry bioactive compounds on molecular pathways related to chronic diseases.

It is generally accepted that a fruit and vegetable-enriched diet is favorable for human health. The consumption of strawberries, in particular, has been related to the maintenance of well-being and the prevention of several chronic diseases, owing to the high contents of antioxidants and phytochemicals present in the fruit. Several biological effects have been explained through the total antioxidant capacity exerted by these bioactive compounds, but recently more intricate mechanisms have begun to be examined. In this context, it has been reported that strawberry phenolics are able to exert anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antiproliferative, and antiatherosclerotic activities, acting on specific molecular pathways related to antioxidant defenses, metabolism, survival, and proliferation. The overall aim of this work is to discuss and update the cellular and molecular mechanisms recently proposed to clarify the effects of strawberry phenolics on human health, with particular attention to the most common chronic diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

Association of flavonoid-rich foods and flavonoids with risk of all-cause mortality.

Flavonoids are bioactive compounds found in foods such as tea, red wine, fruits and vegetables. Higher intakes of specific flavonoids, and flavonoid-rich foods, have been linked to reduced mortality from specific vascular diseases and cancers. However, the importance of flavonoid-rich foods, and flavonoids, in preventing all-cause mortality remains uncertain. As such, we examined the association of intake of flavonoid-rich foods and flavonoids with subsequent mortality among 93 145 young and middle-aged women in the Nurses' Health Study II. During 1 838 946 person-years of follow-up, 1808 participants died. When compared with non-consumers, frequent consumers of red wine, tea, peppers, blueberries and strawberries were at reduced risk of all-cause mortality (P<0·05), with the strongest associations observed for red wine and tea; multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios 0·60 (95 % CI 0·49, 0·74) and 0·73 (95 % CI 0·65, 0·83), respectively. Conversely, frequent grapefruit consumers were at increased risk of all-cause mortality, compared with their non-grapefruit consuming counterparts (P<0·05). When compared with those in the lowest consumption quintile, participants in the highest quintile of total-flavonoid intake were at reduced risk of all-cause mortality in the age-adjusted model; 0·81 (95 % CI 0·71, 0·93). However, this association was attenuated following multivariable adjustment; 0·92 (95 % CI 0·80, 1·06). Similar results were observed for consumption of flavan-3-ols, proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins. Flavonols, flavanones and flavones were not associated with all-cause mortality in any model. Despite null associations at the compound level and select foods, higher consumption of red wine, tea, peppers, blueberries and strawberries, was associated with reduced risk of total and cause-specific mortality. These findings support the rationale for making food-based dietary recommendations.

Strawberry Supplementation Lessens Vascular Inflammation and Dysfunction Displayed by Diabetic db/db Mice

BackgroundCardiovascular disease is 2–4 fold more prevalent in patients with diabetes. In diabetes high glucose induced vascular inflammation and the subsequent endothelial dysfunction leads to the development of atherosclerosis. Human studies have shown that the consumption of strawberries (SB) improves cardiovascular risk but the effects of SB on diabetic vasculature are unknown. We sought to determine whether dietary strawberry supplementation attenuates vascular inflammation and dysfunction in diabetic db/db mice.MethodsSeven‐week old male diabetic db/db mice that consumed standard chow (db/db) or chow supplemented with 2.35% freeze‐dried strawberries (db/db+SB) for 10 weeks were compared to non‐diabetic control mice (db/+). Based on normalization to body surface area, the SB dose is equivalent to two human servings of SB (~160 g) per day. In vivo assessments at ~17 weeks included body weight and food intake, glucose (GTT), and insulin (ITT) tolerance, and systemic arterial blood pressure (tail cuff). Ex vivo analyses included arterial inflammation (monocyte binding to aortic endothelium), endothelial cell (EC) inflammation (mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines in carotid artery ECs), and mesenteric arterial reactivity (isometric tension procedures).ResultsCompared to db/+ animals, both diabetic groups displayed similar increases (p&lt;0.05) in weight gain and impairments (p&lt;0.05) in glucose and insulin tolerance. Arterial pressure (systolic, diastolic, and mean) was higher (p&lt;0.05) in db/db vs. db/+ mice, but the severity of hypertension was attenuated (p&lt;0.05) in db/db+SB mice. Relaxation to acetylcholine (ACh; 10−8‐10−6 M) in arteries precontracted with ~ 10−6 M phenylephrine was impaired (p&lt;0.05) in db/db mice vs. db/+ animals, but no differences existed between db/db+SB vs. db/+ mice. Vasorelaxation to sodium nitroprusside (10−9‐10−4 M) was complete and similar among groups. Mouse monocyte WEHI 78/24 cells exhibited higher (p&lt;0.05) binding to the aortic endothelium of db/db vs. db/+ mice, but this response was attenuated (p&lt;0.05) in aortic endothelium from db/db+SB mice. Consistent with these findings, relative to results obtained from db/+ animals, elevations of MCP‐1/JE and KC expression were greater (p&lt;0.05) in carotid artery ECs from db/db but were suppressed in db/db+SB mice.ConclusionDietary supplementation of strawberries attenuates indices of diabetes‐induced vascular dysfunction without altering glucose and insulin tolerance. This study provides proof of concept for further considering strawberries as an adjunct therapy to improving vascular complications associated with diabetes.Support or Funding InformationSupported by University of Utah Seed Grant and the College of Health Research Pilot Grant.

NADWRAŻLIWOŚĆ POKARMOWA W POPULACJI DZIECI SZKOLNYCH W OPOLU

The prevalence of food allergy among children is high and constantly increasing, especially in urban environments. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of food hypersensitivity among children living in Opole. The study included 450 children (224 girls and 216 boys), aged 7-10 years from elementary schools in Opole. A survey was conducted on the basis of the EuroPrevall international programme questionnaire and a self-designed questionnaire for collecting information. Data were analyzed with the Statistica 8 software package. The level of significance for all analyses was p < 0.05. The questionnaire was completed by the parents of 440 (98%) children. 89% (n = 392) of the parents agreed to being contacted again. Adverse reactions following food consumption were reported in 205 children (46.05%), including 93 children (45.36%) with two to four reactions a month. The most common symptoms were as follows: rash (28.29%), diarrhoea (26.34%). The symptoms occurred after the consumption of cow's milk (35.12%), hen eggs (12.19%), strawberries (8.78%), dairy products (5.36%), nuts (5.36%), chocolate (4.87%), and cocoa (4.87%). The study revealed a high reporting of food hypersensitivity among children in Opole.

Daily Consumption of Strawberries for Eight Weeks Increases Serum Levels of IGF‐1 in Postmenopausal Women

Ovarian hormone deficiency may lead to over production of pro‐inflammatory molecules with a concomitant rise in oxidative stress. This cascade of events negatively affect bone metabolism with a subsequent development of osteoporosis and increased risk of fractures. Epidemiological studies suggest that consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with decreased incidence of chronic diseases including osteoporosis which is mainly attributed to the polyphenol content of these foods. Strawberries are widely consumed in the United States and have high polyphenolic content which confers to them strong antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities. Thus, the main objective of this eight‐week randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial was to investigate the extent to which daily consumption of strawberries would favorably alter blood biomarkers of bone metabolism in postmenopausal women. Forty‐seven postmenopausal women (age: 59 ± 6 years; body mass index: 31.5 ± 4.1 kg/m2) were randomly assigned into one of two groups: 1) 25 g of freeze‐dried strawberry powder (FDSP) (equivalent to 1½ cups of fresh strawberries), or 2) 25 g placebo powder. As anticipated, there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. At baseline, no changes were noted for body composition and bone mineral density in either of the groups, as expected. Serum levels of bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase, a marker of bone formation and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase‐5b, a specific marker of bone resorption, were not affected by FDSP after eight weeks in comparison with placebo. In contrast, a significant time‐by‐treatment interaction (P = 0.041) was observed for serum insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1), known to strongly stimulate bone formation. IGF‐1 levels were increased in the FDSP group (56.7 ± 4.0 to 69.9 ± 11.3 ng/ml) while they were not changed in the placebo group (60.6 ± 3.7 to 60.9 ± 6.1 ng/ml). Our findings suggest that regular consumption of strawberries may be beneficial for bone health due to their ability to increase the synthesis of IGF‐1; however, further studies are warranted to examine the efficacy of long‐term incorporation of strawberries into the diet on bone health.Support or Funding InformationThis study was funded, in part, by the California Strawberry Commission.

Effects of Strawberry Consumption on Vascular Parameters in Pre‐ and Stage 1‐Hypertensive Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trial

Though previous clinical, epidemiological, and preclinical research findings indicate that strawberries are cardioprotective, few clinical studies have reported the effects of strawberry consumption on blood pressure (BP) and vascular function. Since hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and approximately 75% of postmenopausal women in the United States are hypertensive, we conducted an 8‐week randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical study to investigate the effects of daily consumption of 25 g of freeze‐dried strawberry powder (FDSP) on blood pressure and vascular function in pre‐ and stage 1‐hypertensive postmenopausal women. Forty‐seven postmenopausal women (age: 59 ± 6 years; body mass index: 31.5 ± 4.1 kg/m2, systolic BP: 140 ± 13 mmHg, diastolic BP: 80 ± 7 mmHg) were randomly assigned into one of two groups (final n = 20/group): 1) placebo‐control, 2) 25g of freeze‐dried strawberry powder (FDSP; equivalent to 1½ cups). After eight weeks, systolic BP (135 ± 14 mmHg), mean arterial pressure (103 ± 9 mmHg), pulse pressure (56 ± 10 mmHg), and baPWV and faPWV (1,480 cm/s and 1,039 cm/s, respectively) were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) lower than baseline levels in the strawberry group while only pulse pressure was significantly lower (P &lt; 0.05) in the placebo group (54 ± 7 mmHg). These findings suggest that daily consumption of strawberries may improve vascular function; however, further research is warranted.Support or Funding InformationThis study was funded by the California Strawberry Commission.

Identification of urinary biomarkers after consumption of sea buckthorn and strawberry, by untargeted LC–MS metabolomics: a meal study in adult men

Berries may improve health; however, accurate assessment of berry intake is still problematic. The discovery of objective biomarkers for intake of berries is therefore important in assessing both intake and compliance. We aimed to identify urinary exposure markers of two very different berries, strawberry and sea buckthorn, in humans. A randomized controlled single-blinded three-way cross-over meal study was conducted in 16 overweight men. The intervention meals consisted of sea buckthorn puree, strawberry puree or an iso-caloric control drink. Urine samples were collected on each test day at t = −15 min, t = 0–1 h, t = 1–2 h, and t = 2–24 h and were analyzed by untargeted metabolomics. Multivariate analysis was applied to discover markers, followed by molecular fragmentation to ease their chemical identification. Only a few common markers appeared for the two berries, and all except one were in very low concentrations and therefore not identified. Nine and 11 markers were (tentatively) identified for strawberry and sea buckthorn, respectively, the most specific being conjugates of aroma compounds and coloring flavonoids. Metabolites reflecting the step-wise aromatization of quinic to hippuric acid were observed after sea buckthorn intake. Three of the identified compounds validate previously proposed exposure biomarkers for the New Nordic Diet, which is high in berries. Potentially common berry exposure markers, as well as an aromatization pathway have been distinguished by human urine profiling after consumption of sea buckthorn or strawberries. Combinations of these markers are proposed as potentially specific for intake of each of these berries, but need further validation in larger and less-controlled study settings.

The Healthy Effects of Strawberry Polyphenols: Which Strategy behind Antioxidant Capacity?

Current evidence indicates that the consumption of strawberries, a natural source of a wide range of nutritive and bioactive compounds, is associated with the prevention and improvement of chronic-degenerative diseases. Studies involving cells and animals provide evidence on the anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic and antiproliferative activity of the strawberry. Epidemiological and clinical studies demonstrate that its acute consumption increases plasma antioxidant capacity, improves circulating inflammatory markers and ameliorates postprandial glycemic response. At the same time, a protracted intake reduces chronic inflammation and improves plasma lipid profile, supporting cardiovascular health, especially in individuals with increased risk for metabolic syndrome. To explain these beneficial effects, much attention has been paid in the past to the antioxidant properties of strawberry polyphenols. However, recent research has shown that their biological and functional activities are related not only to the antioxidant capacity but also to the modulation of many cellular pathways involved in metabolism, survival, proliferation, and antioxidant defenses. The aim of this review is to update and discuss the molecular and cellular mechanisms proposed in recent studies to elucidate the healthy effects of strawberry polyphenols against the most common chronic diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, and inflammation.