Effects of acute strawberry consumption on serum levels of vitamin C and folic acid, the antioxidant potential of LDL and blood glucose response: a randomised cross-over controlled trial. (22nd March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kishimoto, Yoshimi; Taguchi, Chie; Iwashima, Tomomi; Kobayashi, Toshihiro; Kikoku, Yutaka; Nishiyama, Hiroshi; Masuda, Yasunobu; Kondo, Kazuo
• Is Part Of: Journal of nutritional science. Volume 12(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-03-22
• Subjects: Blood glucose level -- Folate -- LDL oxidation -- Strawberry -- Vitamin C; Nutrition -- Periodicals; 612.305
• DOI: 10.1017/jns.2022.117
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2048-6790

Abstract

Abstract: Strawberry contains many bioactive compounds such as vitamin C and polyphenols as well as folate, a vitamin that is especially important for women of childbearing age. We investigated the effects of the acute consumption of strawberry on the serum levels of vitamin C and folate, and on the antioxidant potential of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). In a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study, twenty-three healthy female volunteers (age 22⋅5 ± 1⋅4 years) ingested 500 g of a strawberry purée beverage or a sugar content-matched placebo beverage. Blood samples were collected at fasting and at 0⋅5, 1, 2 and 4 h post-ingestion. The serum concentrations of vitamin C and folate were significantly elevated from 0⋅5 to 4 h after the strawberry beverage ingestion ( P < 0⋅001); the levels peaked at 2 h, with peak levels of 15⋅0 ± 2⋅5 μg/ml for vitamin C and 14⋅4 ± 7⋅0 ng/ml for folate. Notably, at 1 h after the strawberry beverage ingestion, the LDL oxidation lag time was significantly prolonged ( P < 0⋅05), suggesting that the antioxidant potential of LDL was increased. After the ingestion of either beverage, the serum levels of glucose and insulin reached a peak at 0⋅5 h and then quickly returned to baseline levels. These results suggest that strawberries are a useful source of vitamin C and folate and may help enhance the antioxidant potential of LDL in healthy young women.