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Date Fruit Powder

Also known as: Date fruit powder, Date seed powder, DSP, Phoenix dactylifera

Overview

Date fruit powder is derived from the dried and ground fruits or seeds of the date palm, Phoenix dactylifera. It is recognized as a functional food supplement due to its rich content of polyphenols, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. Traditionally valued for its nutritional benefits, it is increasingly being studied for its potential to improve exercise performance, reduce oxidative stress, modulate cardiometabolic risk factors, and potentially support mental health. While research is emerging, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the overall evidence quality is moderate, with a few well-designed studies but limited large-scale meta-analyses specifically on date fruit powder. It is sometimes classified as a prebiotic supplement due to its fiber content.

Benefits

Date fruit powder offers several evidence-based benefits. Supplementation with date seed powder (DSP) has been shown to improve aerobic and anaerobic performance and attenuate exercise-induced oxidative stress in healthy adults undergoing high-intensity interval training (HIIT). This benefit is supported by a double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT. It significantly increases antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GPx]) and reduces malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, in both animal models and humans, indicating strong antioxidant properties. Preliminary research protocols are investigating its potential to improve cardiometabolic health, specifically in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, by addressing hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and inflammation, hypothesizing improvements due to its antioxidant and prebiotic properties. While clinical evidence is still forthcoming, DSP may also improve mental health parameters and reduce inflammation. Active individuals and those with metabolic disorders, such as T2DM, are the primary populations targeted in current research.

How it works

Date fruit/seed powder exerts its beneficial effects primarily through its rich content of polyphenols and dietary fiber. These bioactive compounds contribute to its potent antioxidant activity by directly scavenging free radicals and enhancing the body's endogenous antioxidant enzyme systems, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Its anti-inflammatory effects are likely mediated by modulating inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, the dietary fiber acts as a prebiotic, potentially altering the composition of gut microbiota, which can lead to improved metabolic and immune responses. The absorption of polyphenols and the fermentation of fiber in the gut are crucial steps for these systemic benefits to manifest.

Side effects

Date fruit powder is generally regarded as safe for consumption. Clinical trials conducted to date have reported no significant adverse effects at the studied doses, such as 5 grams per day of date seed powder. There have been no common or serious side effects documented in randomized controlled trials. Furthermore, no known significant drug interactions or contraindications have been identified. While special populations, such as individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus, are currently under study, no safety concerns have been reported in these groups so far. Users should always adhere to recommended dosages and consult a healthcare provider if they have pre-existing conditions or are taking other medications, although current evidence suggests a favorable safety profile.

Dosage

Clinical trials have primarily utilized a dosage of 5 grams per day of date seed powder (DSP). This daily dose is typically split into two administrations, for example, 2.5 grams taken twice daily. The duration of supplementation in studies has varied, ranging from as short as 2 weeks for exercise-related benefits to 8 weeks for metabolic studies. It is common practice in trials to time the intake with meals, such as breakfast and dinner, to enhance compliance and potentially improve absorption. While there is no established maximum safe dose, the doses used in current trials are low and have been consistently well-tolerated. The supplement is typically available in powder form, which is odorless and flavorless, making it easy to mix with water or food.

FAQs

Is date fruit powder safe for daily use?

Yes, clinical trials have reported good safety and tolerability for daily use at the studied doses, with no significant adverse effects observed.

How soon can benefits be expected?

Exercise performance benefits have been observed within 2 weeks of supplementation. Metabolic effects, however, may require a longer duration of consistent supplementation to become apparent.

Does it interact with medications?

Currently, there are no known significant interactions between date fruit powder and medications. However, it is always advisable for individuals on medication to consult their healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Is seed powder different from fruit powder?

Yes, date seed powder (DSP) is generally richer in polyphenols and dietary fiber compared to date fruit powder. Both forms possess antioxidant properties, but their specific compositions and concentrations of bioactive compounds may vary.

Research Sources

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/effects-of-date-seed-phoenix-dactylifera-supplementation-on-exerciseinduced-oxidative-stress-and-aerobic-and-anaerobic-performance-following-highintensity-interval-training-sessions-a-randomised-doubleblind-placebocontrolled-trial/85498E6968895239A1C499BE6F7FC981 – This double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial involving 36 recreational runners demonstrated that 2 weeks of date seed powder supplementation significantly reduced markers of oxidative stress and improved both aerobic and anaerobic performance following high-intensity interval training sessions. The study provides strong evidence for the ergogenic and antioxidant effects of date seed powder in active individuals, though its small sample size and short duration are limitations.
https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/13/3/e066013 – This source describes the protocol for a planned randomized controlled trial (n≥30) designed to assess the effects of 8 weeks of 5 g/day date seed powder supplementation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study aims to evaluate improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors, oxidative stress, inflammation, and gut microbiota composition. While results are pending, the rigorous methodology outlined suggests a high-quality study that will provide valuable insights into date seed powder's role in metabolic health.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9234073/ – This article discusses the broader context of date fruit's nutritional and health benefits, including its rich polyphenol content and antioxidant properties. It provides a general overview of the potential therapeutic applications of date fruit and its derivatives, supporting the rationale for specific studies on date fruit powder's effects on oxidative stress and exercise performance.
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/jicm.2023.29122.abstracts.parta?download=true – This abstract provides further context on the research into date seed powder, specifically mentioning its potential to improve mental health parameters and reduce inflammation. While it points to ongoing research, it reinforces the multifaceted benefits attributed to date seed powder beyond just physical performance and oxidative stress.