Saskatoon Berry on Metabolism and Gut Microbiota in Healthy Subjects
This study aims to understand how Saskatoon berries affect our bodies, especially our blood sugar levels and the helpful bacteria in our gut. Type 2 diabetes is a growing concern, and researchers are interested in finding natural ways, like certain foods, to help manage or prevent it. Previous small studies have shown that Saskatoon berries might help lower blood sugar and improve cholesterol. This new study will give healthy people 30 grams of dried Saskatoon berries daily for 10 weeks. They will then look at changes in blood sugar, insulin, and gut bacteria. The goal is to see if Saskatoon berries could be a useful part of a healthy diet to reduce the risk of metabolic problems, including type 2 diabetes.
At a glance
What is this study about?
You might have heard a lot about type 2 diabetes, which is becoming increasingly common. It's a condition where your body doesn't use sugar properly, which can lead to serious health issues over time, such as heart problems, kidney disease, and even blindness. While there are medicines for diabetes, they can sometimes have side effects. That's why scientists are very interested in natural foods or food extracts (sometimes called 'nutraceuticals') that could offer a safer way to help manage or prevent diabetes.
Saskatoon berries are a popular fruit in certain parts of North America. Previous research, including studies on animals and a small study on 20 healthy people, has suggested that these berries might be helpful. These studies showed that Saskatoon berries could potentially lower blood sugar, improve cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, and positively affect the good bacteria in our gut. These are all important factors in keeping our bodies healthy and preventing conditions like type 2 diabetes.
This current study wants to take a closer look at these findings in healthy people. The main goal is to see exactly how eating Saskatoon berries affects blood sugar control, how our bodies use insulin (the hormone that helps sugar get into our cells), and the balance of bacteria in our gut. Researchers are hoping to confirm that Saskatoon berries could be a beneficial 'functional food' – meaning a food that offers health benefits beyond just basic nutrition – that could help reduce the risk of 'metabolic syndrome' (a group of conditions that increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes) and help in preventing or managing type 2 diabetes.
Key takeaways
- The study explores if Saskatoon berries could help prevent type 2 diabetes.
- It will examine effects on blood sugar, insulin, and gut health in healthy adults.
- Participants will eat 30g of dried Saskatoon berries daily for 10 weeks.
- Regular health checks and blood/stool samples will be taken.
- Focus is on natural, food-based approaches to prevent metabolic issues.
- You must be healthy and not taking certain medications to join.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be a healthy adult living in Winnipeg, aged between 18 and 75 years old. You'll also need to be willing to read and sign a consent form, which explains everything about the study in detail.
However, there are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to take part. For example, if you have a history of serious health conditions like a heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or long-term kidney disease, you wouldn't be eligible. Also, if you've been taking certain medications in the last month, such as those for lowering blood sugar, blood pressure, or cholesterol, or antibiotics, you wouldn't be able to join. The aim is to study how the berries affect otherwise healthy individuals.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 18 and 75 years old?
- Do you live in Winnipeg?
- Are you generally healthy and don't have conditions like diabetes, heart attack, stroke, or severe kidney disease?
- Have you avoided taking medications for blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, or antibiotics in the last month?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you'll first have an initial visit (Visit 1) to discuss the study, sign a consent form, and answer some questions about your diet and physical activity. We'll also measure your weight, height, and blood pressure.
Before you start eating the berries, you'll have a second visit (Visit 2), which will be within a week of Visit 1. At this visit, you'll have a special blood test called an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) after not eating overnight. This involves drinking a sweet liquid and having blood samples taken to see how your body handles sugar. We'll also collect other blood samples to check insulin levels, liver function, and inflammation, and you'll provide a stool sample. You'll then be given sealed packages of dried Saskatoon berries and instructions on how to take them.
You'll be asked to eat 30 grams of freeze-dried Saskatoon berries every day with your breakfast for a total of 10 weeks. There will be a check-in visit around the 5-week mark to see how you're getting on. We will ask you to provide feedback on your experience. More visits will be scheduled to assess the impact of taking the berries.
The total duration of your active participation, including all visits and taking the berries, will be approximately 10 weeks.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University of ManitobaVerified postcodeWinnipeg, Canada
Common questions
What exactly are Saskatoon berries?
Saskatoon berries are a type of dark purple berry, similar to blueberries, that are found in parts of Canada and the northern USA. They are known for their sweet flavour.
Why are researchers studying Saskatoon berries?
Previous research suggests that Saskatoon berries might help our bodies manage blood sugar and improve gut health, which could be important for preventing conditions like type 2 diabetes.
Will I have to change my diet during the study?
You'll be asked to eat 30 grams of dried Saskatoon berries daily. We'll also ask questions about your usual diet and activity, but the study primarily focuses on adding the berries.
What happens to the samples I provide?
Blood and stool samples will be analysed to look at changes in blood sugar, cholesterol, insulin, and the types of bacteria in your gut.
Can I still take my regular medications if I join?
No, if you are currently taking medications for blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, or antibiotics, you wouldn't be able to participate as these would affect the study's results.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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