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Strawberry Fruit Concentrate

Also known as: Strawberry fruit concentrate, Strawberry extract, Fragaria × ananassa

Overview

Strawberry fruit concentrate is derived from the edible fruit of *Fragaria × ananassa*, commonly known as the garden strawberry. This widely consumed berry is a rich source of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols (especially anthocyanins), organic acids, and vitamin C. The concentrate is produced by removing water from strawberry juice or puree, which intensifies its beneficial constituents. It is utilized as a dietary supplement primarily for its potential to improve cardiovascular health, enhance antioxidant status, and reduce inflammation. Research on strawberry supplementation is moderately mature, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews supporting its cardiovascular and metabolic benefits. The evidence quality is generally good, though larger and longer-term studies are still recommended to confirm findings.

Benefits

Strawberry fruit concentrate offers several evidence-based health benefits. Supplementation has been shown to improve cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk markers, including reductions in LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol, and enhancements in endothelial function. For instance, studies indicate statistically significant improvements in lipid profiles over 4 to 12 weeks. It also significantly boosts antioxidant status; consumption for 4 weeks increased serum antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity, while decreasing oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA). Furthermore, high-dose strawberry supplementation has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by reducing inflammatory biomarkers like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1). Improvements in insulin resistance and other cardiometabolic risk factors have also been observed in overweight or obese adults, suggesting benefits for metabolic syndrome components. While effect sizes vary, the clinical significance is promising, though larger cohorts are needed for confirmation.

How it works

The health benefits of strawberry fruit concentrate are primarily attributed to its high content of polyphenols, particularly anthocyanins. These compounds exert their effects through potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. They function by scavenging free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress throughout the body. Additionally, strawberry polyphenols modulate various signaling pathways involved in endothelial function and inflammation. They are known to influence nitric oxide bioavailability, which is crucial for vascular health, and to downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α. While these polyphenols are bioavailable, their metabolism involves processing by gut microbiota and conjugation in the liver, which can affect their systemic levels and ultimate biological activity.

Side effects

Strawberry fruit concentrate is generally considered safe for consumption, with no serious adverse effects reported in clinical trials. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort is a rare but possible side effect. Allergic reactions are uncommon but can occur in individuals with a known allergy to strawberries or sensitivities to related compounds. There are no significant drug interactions documented; however, caution is advised when combining strawberry concentrate with anticoagulants due to the potential for mild antiplatelet effects from its polyphenol content. The primary contraindication is a known allergy to strawberries or other related fruits. Data on its use in pregnant or lactating women is limited, so cautious use is recommended in these special populations.

Dosage

Effective doses of strawberry fruit concentrate in clinical studies have ranged from approximately 13 g/day of freeze-dried strawberry powder, which is roughly equivalent to one cup of fresh strawberries, to higher doses. An optimal range for improving antioxidant and cardiovascular markers appears to be 13–32 g/day of freeze-dried powder or an equivalent concentrate. These dosages have been used for periods of 4 weeks or longer and were generally well tolerated. A maximum safe dose has not been definitively established, but doses up to 32 g/day have shown good tolerability in trials. Daily intake with meals is typical, with no specific timing constraints reported. The concentrate is available in forms such as freeze-dried powder or encapsulated concentrate, and bioavailability may vary slightly between forms. Co-ingestion with food may enhance the absorption of polyphenols. No specific cofactors are required, though the natural vitamin C content in strawberries may synergize with its polyphenols.

FAQs

Is strawberry concentrate effective for heart health?

Yes, evidence from randomized controlled trials indicates that strawberry concentrate can improve lipid profiles and endothelial function, contributing to better heart health.

Are there any safety concerns with strawberry concentrate?

It is generally safe, with rare instances of mild gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. No serious adverse effects have been reported.

How long does it take to see benefits from strawberry concentrate?

Improvements in antioxidant and inflammatory markers have been observed within as little as 4 weeks of consistent supplementation.

Can strawberry concentrate replace fresh strawberries?

While the concentrate provides a higher dose of bioactive compounds, fresh fruit offers additional dietary fiber and other nutrients not present in the concentrate.

Does strawberry concentrate interact with medications?

No major interactions are known, but caution is advised if you are taking blood thinners due to potential mild antiplatelet effects of polyphenols.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31637390/ – This study found that strawberry intake improves cardiovascular risk factors, antioxidant status, and inflammation. It highlights the need for larger, longer-term studies but supports current findings of benefit.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8614674/ – This randomized controlled trial (n=33) showed that 4-week strawberry powder supplementation significantly increased antioxidant enzymes (SOD), decreased oxidative stress (MDA), and reduced inflammatory markers (TNF-α, sVCAM-1) in adults with cardiometabolic risk.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10408398.2024.2398634 – A systematic review from 2024 consolidating multiple human intervention trials consistently found that strawberry intake improves cardiovascular risk factors, antioxidant status, and inflammation, supporting the health benefits of strawberry consumption.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/9/2/116 – This randomized controlled trial (n≥30) in overweight/obese older adults demonstrated that 12-week supplementation with a fruit and vegetable concentrate, including strawberry components, led to reductions in total and LDL cholesterol, supporting the lipid-lowering effects of strawberry bioactives.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36985683/ – This source provides a comprehensive overview of the bioactive compounds in strawberries, particularly polyphenols, and their mechanisms of action, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and their bioavailability.