Effects of Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) berry preparation on metabolic parameters in a healthy overweight population: A pilot study
2011

Effects of Açai Berry on Metabolic Parameters in Overweight Adults

Sample size: 10 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Udani Jay K, Singh Betsy B, Singh Vijay J, Barrett Marilyn L

Primary Institution: Medicus Research LLC

Hypothesis

Does consumption of açai fruit pulp affect metabolic parameters in overweight individuals?

Conclusion

Açai fruit pulp consumption reduced levels of fasting glucose, insulin, and total cholesterol in overweight adults.

Supporting Evidence

  • Fasting glucose levels decreased from 98.0 mg/dl to 92.8 mg/dl after 30 days.
  • Insulin levels decreased from 8.9 μU/ml to 6.7 μU/ml after 30 days.
  • Total cholesterol decreased from 159.2 mg/dl to 141.8 mg/dl after 30 days.
  • Post-prandial glucose response was significantly reduced after 30 days of açai consumption.

Takeaway

Eating açai berry pulp can help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels in people who are overweight.

Methodology

This was an open label pilot study with 10 overweight adults consuming 100 g açai pulp twice daily for 1 month.

Potential Biases

The study was uncontrolled and open label, which may introduce bias.

Limitations

The study lacked a control group and had a small sample size.

Participant Demographics

10 participants aged 18-46, 5 men and 5 women, predominantly Hispanic.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p = 0.018 for fasting glucose, p = 0.017 for insulin, p = 0.03 for total cholesterol

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1475-2891-10-45

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