The Effects of Strawberries on Blood Pressure in Postmenopausal Women

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the US. Statistics show that
approximately 91% of individuals with CVD have vascular dysfunction. Hypertension is a major
modifiable risk factor for CVD and approximately 60% of adults in the US are
pre-hypertensive and hypertensive. In addition, the prevalence of hypertension is associated
with aging in both genders; however, the increase in blood pressure (BP) in women after
menopause exceeds that of men.

The development of effective and safe strategies to improve vascular function is of
significance as it can have a great impact on quality of life, productivity and economic
burden for the affected populations. One such alternative would be to introduce into the
diet food sources that are rich in naturally occurring bioactive compounds. Thus, the
long-term goal of the investigators is to provide feasible and effective dietary ways for
postmenopausal women to improve their vascular function and quality of life.

Strawberries are a rich source of bioactive compounds and its total antioxidant content
ranks third among all fruits and vegetables. Hence, the purpose of this study is to bring
forth evidence that incorporation of strawberries into the diet will reduce blood pressure
and improve cardiovascular function in pre- and stage 1-hypertensive postmenopausal women.

Sixty eligible postmenopausal women between the ages of 45 and 65 and a seated BP of ≥
130/85 mm Hg but ≤ 160/100 mmHg at the screening visit will be randomly assigned to one of
three groups:

1. 25 g freeze-dried strawberry powder;

2. 50 g freeze-dried strawberry powder; or

3. placebo powder. Participants will be asked to consume the supplements for 8-weeks.
Medical history, medication use, dietary intake, and physical activity will be assessed
at 0-, 4-, and 8-weeks followed by blood draw. Serum levels of markers of
cardiovascular function as well as oxidative stress and inflammation will be measured.

The investigators hypothesize that regular consumption of strawberry will improve
cardiovascular function, decrease BP and blood markers of oxidative stress as well as
inflammation. Investigators also expect the findings of this study to provide a foundation
for further studies to examine the effects of long-term incorporation of strawberry into the
diet and the integrity of cardiovascular system.