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Strawberry Fruit Juice Concentrate

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

Overview

Strawberry fruit juice concentrate is derived from the juice of strawberries (*Fragaria × ananassa*), typically through evaporation to remove water, resulting in a concentrated product. It is used as a dietary supplement for cardiovascular health, antioxidant support, and metabolic health. The concentrate is high in polyphenols, vitamin C, and micronutrients but lower in fiber than whole fruit and contains natural sugars. Research suggests potential benefits for cardiovascular risk factors, primarily through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Studies indicate improvements in markers such as oxidized LDL, C-reactive protein, and blood pressure. While generally recognized as safe, individuals with strawberry allergies or fructose intolerance should exercise caution. The quality of available evidence is good for short-term cardiovascular and metabolic effects, but limited for long-term outcomes and rare side effects. Further research is needed to fully elucidate its long-term benefits and safety profile.

Benefits

Strawberry supplementation, including juice concentrate, has demonstrated benefits for cardiovascular risk factors. A meta-analysis of 14 clinical trials showed significant reductions in oxidized LDL, malondialdehyde, C-reactive protein, total cholesterol, and diastolic blood pressure. These effects are attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of strawberry polyphenols. While some studies suggest a small increase in fasting blood sugar, the clinical significance of this finding is uncertain. The benefits are most pronounced in adults with or at risk of cardiovascular disease. The observed improvements in biomarkers are typically short-term, spanning weeks to months, and larger, longer-term studies are needed to confirm the clinical impact.

How it works

Strawberry fruit juice concentrate exerts its effects primarily through the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of its polyphenols, such as anthocyanins and ellagitannins. These compounds scavenge free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and systemic inflammation by modulating inflammatory cytokines. The concentrate may also improve lipid profiles by reducing cholesterol synthesis or increasing its clearance. Within the cardiovascular system, it improves endothelial function and lowers blood pressure. While it has modest effects on glucose metabolism, it is not a primary glucose-lowering agent. Polyphenols are absorbed in the gut, with variable bioavailability depending on individual metabolism and gut microbiota. Juice concentrates may have higher bioavailability of certain polyphenols compared to whole fruit due to processing, but they contain less fiber.

Side effects

Strawberry fruit juice concentrate is generally recognized as safe at typical dietary and supplemental doses. No common side effects have been reported in clinical trials. Uncommon side effects may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort in sensitive individuals. Rare side effects include allergic reactions in individuals with strawberry allergies. No significant drug interactions have been reported. Contraindications include strawberry allergy. Caution is advised for individuals with fructose intolerance or diabetes due to the natural sugar content of the concentrate. Overall, the safety profile is favorable, but individuals with specific sensitivities or pre-existing conditions should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional.

Dosage

While a minimum effective dose is not well-established, most studies use 25–50 g of freeze-dried strawberry powder or the equivalent in juice concentrate per day. Based on clinical trial data, an optimal dosage range is 25–50 g freeze-dried strawberry equivalent or 100–200 mL juice concentrate per day. A maximum safe dose has not been established, but no adverse effects have been reported at typical doses. No specific timing is required, and it can be taken with meals. Juice concentrate may be more convenient but contains less fiber than whole fruit. Polyphenol absorption may be enhanced with food. No required cofactors have been identified.

FAQs

Is strawberry juice concentrate as effective as whole fruit?

Juice concentrate provides similar polyphenol benefits but less fiber; it may be more convenient for some individuals. Whole fruit offers additional fiber and nutrients.

Is it safe for people with diabetes?

Moderate intake is likely safe, but individuals with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels due to the natural sugars present in the concentrate.

Are there any safety concerns?

No significant safety concerns exist at typical doses. However, individuals with strawberry allergies should avoid it. Start with a small dose to assess tolerance.

When should I take strawberry juice concentrate?

It can be taken at any time of day, with or without food. Consistency is key to experiencing potential benefits.

What results can I expect?

Modest improvements in cardiovascular risk markers may be observed over weeks to months with regular intake. It is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31637390/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 clinical trials found that strawberry supplementation improved several cardiovascular risk factors, including oxidized LDL, malondialdehyde, C-reactive protein, total cholesterol, and diastolic blood pressure. The study highlights the potential of strawberries to positively impact cardiovascular health through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. However, the authors noted heterogeneity in study designs and dosages, as well as short-term follow-up as limitations.
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/nutrition-research-reviews/article/health-effects-of-100-fruit-and-vegetable-juices-evidence-from-human-subject-intervention-studies/F2E7246B748741828885E76AA42A774B – This review examined the health effects of 100% fruit and vegetable juices, including strawberry juice, and found that moderate intake (75–150 mL/day) may have protective effects on metabolic syndrome. The study also indicated no significant difference between 100% fruit juice and whole fruit for cardiometabolic risk. The authors considered both observational and intervention studies, noting some heterogeneity in juice types as a limitation.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/9/2/116 – This RCT investigated the effects of encapsulated fruit and vegetable juice concentrate on metabolic profiles. The study found that the juice concentrate improved metabolic profiles by reducing inflammation and blood lipids. The authors noted that the small sample size and the fact that the concentrate was not specific to strawberry were limitations.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nbu.70009 – This literature review and meta-analysis examined the effects of fruit and vegetable juices on metabolic syndrome. The study found that moderate intake of 100% fruit juice, including strawberry juice, may have protective effects on metabolic syndrome. The authors noted that observational data was included and there was some heterogeneity in juice types.
https://core.ac.uk/download/534901152.pdf – This study examined the effects of fruit and vegetable juice concentrate on metabolic profiles. The study found that the juice concentrate improved metabolic profiles by reducing inflammation and blood lipids. The authors noted that the small sample size and the fact that the concentrate was not specific to strawberry were limitations.