Strawberries

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Strawberries

 

 

What is the purpose of the study?

Who is conducting this study?

 This study is led by Susan Zunino, PhD, and colleagues at the USDA, ARS, Western Human Nutrition Research Center (WHNRC). The funding for this study comes from USDA, ARS, WHNRC and the California Strawberry Commission. This study has been reviewed and approved by the Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects.

 

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of strawberries on inflammation and processes related to inflammation in overweight individuals. Strawberries have compounds called antioxidants that can inhibit inflammation. We hope to learn whether eating four servings of strawberries per day as part of a standard diet can alter the level of inflammatory molecules, change cholesterol and fats in the blood, and change immune responses. Altering these processes may reduce the risk of heart and blood vessel disease and other health problems.

Who can participate?

 Twenty overweight men and women, ages 20-50 years, who are generally healthy will be enrolled in the study. Volunteers are about 45-100 lbs. overweight. We are looking for volunteers interested in maintaining weight, not trying to lose weight with diet, exercise or medications. We need volunteers who are willing and able to eat 3 meals a day plus beverages and snacks provided to them and who can commit to the study schedule for seven consecutive weeks (49 days).

Who is NOT eligible to participate?

Individuals who are vegetarians or cannot eat the meals provided

Individuals who smoke or use tobacco products

Individuals taking prescription or over-the-counter medications for the purpose of weight loss, cholesterol lowering, anti-inflammatory medications, steroids, or thyroid-regulating medication

Women who are pregnant, lactating, or planning a pregnancy

What do I need to do to participate?

 Volunteers will complete a health-screening visit at 1283 Academic Surge on the UC Davis campus, including questionnaires, height, weight, vital signs and a blood draw. This one-hour visit will take place in the morning following an overnight fast of 12 hours.

If you are selected for the study, you will agree to eat a prepared diet, consisting of 3 meals plus one snack per day, seven days a week for a period of seven consecutive weeks (49 days). You will be required to eat all of the food provided and only the foods provided to you by the study. The diet consists of typical foods in a 4-day rotating menu. You will be required to come to 1283 Academic Surge on the UC Davis campus Monday through Friday between 7:30 - 9 am for breakfast AND again between 5 - 6 pm for dinner. Your lunch and a small evening snack will be packed "to go". On Friday evenings, you will take all your food with you for the weekend. You will be given enough calories, based on your gender, age, and activity level, to maintain your weight. You will be instructed not to change your activity level or lifestyle during the course of the study (seven weeks). The diets provide sufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals required for humans. You will not be allowed to consume additional vitamins, minerals or herbal supplements. You will be allowed to consume one cup of black coffee per day, and sugar-free, caffeine-free beverages (provided at no cost to you). You will not be allowed any other caffeinated beverages. The standard diet will be relatively low in fruits and vegetables (3 servings per day) and contain approximately 35% of calories from fat, 20% calories from protein, 45% calories from carbohydrate, and about 14 g fiber, which is typical of an average American diet.

 During week 1 you will eat the standard diet described above. Then, you will be randomly assigned (by flipping a coin) to either Diet A or Diet B for 3 weeks. One diet has two servings of strawberries at breakfast and two servings of strawberries at dinner. The strawberries are freeze-dried and mixed into foods such as cream cheese, yogurt, soft drinks, and milkshakes. The other diet has similar foods prepared with strawberry flavoring. Following that 3-weeks, you will be changed to the opposite diet for an additional 3 weeks. During the seven weeks, you will have your body weight measured every day Monday - Friday. Once per week, you will have your blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature measured, and a fasting blood draw in the morning before breakfast.

What are the benefits to you from this study?

You will receive all of your food for seven weeks (49 days) at no cost.

You will receive an evaluation of your health status at no cost.

You will learn about the science of nutrition and play an important role in research, which may discover beneficial health effects of strawberries.

You will be paid $40 for the health screening to determine your eligibility.

If you are enrolled in the study, you will be paid $30 each for blood draw 1 & 2, $40 each for blood draw 3 & 4, and $50 each for blood draw 5 & 6 for a total of $240.

What should I do if I have more questions?

Call 530-752-5177 and press 2 to leave a message. Someone from the study will get back to you.