Researchers from the University of Auckland are conducting an investigation using feijoa powder to facilitate weight loss and reverse pre-diabetes conditions, in an effort to prevent type 2 diabetes among adults at risk.
Feijoa, frequently termed as the “People’s Fruit,” could possibly hold the key to preventing type 2 diabetes. The researchers from the University of Auckland are trying to ascertain this.
Over 200,000 New Zealanders are affected by type 2 diabetes, which makes finding preventative methods crucial in tackling this significant health concern. Could the answer be found in the common feijoa fruit growing in local backyards?
The feijoa study, termed as FERDINAND, is a six-month weight loss and maintenance plan where adults with elevated blood sugar levels will receive approximately a gram of whole-fruit feijoa powder (or a placebo) each day.
Lead Investigator, and self-proclaimed ‘feijoa enthusiast’, Associate Professor Jennifer Miles-Chan is optimistic about the potential of feijoa powder to reverse pre-diabetes. She postulates that the feijoa powder could enhance the advantages of weight loss, leading to improved blood sugar control.
A short-term study in Iran suggested that feijoa could be beneficial for type 2 diabetes patients. FERDINAND aims to expand on this research as the first-ever global long-term clinical trial studying the benefits of feijoa in reversing pre-diabetes risk.
In the study’s initial two months, participants are expected to lose five to ten percent of their body weight via a complimentary meal replacement program, which includes a variety of food options supervised by a Registered Dietitian. The remaining four months will aim to sustain this weight loss.
Participants should be overweight or obese, between 18 and 70 years old, and at high risk of type 2 diabetes (but do not have diabetes) according to a fasting blood glucose test.
Miles-Chan explains that the main goal is to assist those on the verge of developing diabetes to reduce their risk. Many people might not be aware that their blood sugar levels are high. Hence, individuals do not need to know beforehand if they have pre-diabetes as the team can conduct tests.
Besides the potential to reverse diabetes risk and the numerous benefits of weight loss, participants will gain insights into their health status. As Miles-Chan points out, participants will receive extensive dietary advice, weight loss strategies, detailed blood tests, body composition scans, glucose checks, and two months’ worth of free meals.
The High-Value Nutrition National Science Challenge (Ko Ngā Kai Whai Painga) backs the study, which is being carried out by the University’s Human Nutrition Unit, in cooperation with AgResearch, the Malaghan Institute, and Plant and Food Research.
For more information about participating in the trial, please contact [email protected].
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Diabetes prevention
What is the purpose of the feijoa study at the University of Auckland?
The purpose of the feijoa study, named FERDINAND, conducted at the University of Auckland is to investigate the use of feijoa powder to aid weight loss and reverse pre-diabetes conditions in at-risk adults. The ultimate goal is to prevent type 2 diabetes.
Why is feijoa referred to as the “People’s Fruit”?
Feijoa is often referred to as the “People’s Fruit” due to its popularity and widespread cultivation in New Zealand, making it easily accessible to the general public.
How can feijoa potentially help prevent type 2 diabetes?
The feijoa powder used in the study is believed to boost the benefits of weight loss, leading to improvements in blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial in preventing type 2 diabetes.
Who can participate in the FERDINAND study?
Adults who are overweight or have obesity, aged between 18 and 70, and at high risk of type 2 diabetes (but do not have diabetes) based on a fasting blood glucose test are eligible to participate in the study.
What will participants experience during the study?
Participants will undergo a six-month weight loss and maintenance program, receiving about a gram of whole-fruit feijoa powder (or a placebo) daily. The first two months focus on significant weight loss through a meal replacement program supervised by a Registered Dietitian, followed by four months of weight maintenance.
What are the potential benefits of participating in the study?
Participants may potentially reverse their diabetes risk, experience weight loss benefits, and gain extensive insights into their health through diet and weight loss advice, detailed blood tests, body composition scans, and glucose checks. Additionally, participants will receive two months’ worth of free meals.
How can interested individuals participate in the trial?
Those interested in participating in the FERDINAND study can inquire and find out more information by emailing [email protected].
More about Diabetes prevention
- University of Auckland: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/
- High-Value Nutrition National Science Challenge: https://www.highvaluenutrition.co.nz/
- AgResearch: https://www.agresearch.co.nz/
- Malaghan Institute: https://www.malaghan.org.nz/
- Plant and Food Research: https://www.plantandfood.co.nz/
