(P23-074-23) The Impact of Strawberries on Cognition and Cardiovascular Health of Older Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Objectives: The polyphenolic compounds in strawberries may improve cognitive function and cardiovascular health due to their antioxidant capacities. This study aimed to examine the effects of strawberries on cognitive function and cardiometabolic health in healthy aging adults.

Methods: Using a randomized, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 35 healthy older adults (17 women, 18 men, age 72 ± 6 years, BMI 26.4 ± 3.9 kg/m²) consumed 26 grams of freeze-dried strawberry powder (strawberry) and a control powder (control) daily for 8 weeks each with a 4-week washout period. The primary outcome was cognition measured according to the NIH toolbox, and the secondary outcome was cardiometabolic health assessed by blood pressure, biomarkers, and waist circumference.

Results: Speed of processing (p < 0.001) increased in the strawberry group and episodic memory (p = 0.002) was improved in the control group. Strawberry consumption reduced systolic blood pressure (p = 0.044) and a significant main effect of time for reduced waist circumference (p = 0.043) was detected. Serum triglycerides increased in the control group (p = 0.012) but not after consuming strawberries. Total antioxidant capacity significantly decreased during the control trial (p = 0.032) and significantly increased with strawberry consumption (p = 0.047).

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that daily consumption of 26 grams of freeze-dried strawberry powder moderately improves cognitive processing speed, lowers systolic blood pressure, and increases total-antioxidant capacity, potentially promoting cognitive function and improving cardiovascular risk factors.

Funding Sources: This study was funded by California Strawberry Commission.