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Benefits of fresh strawberries consumption from Huelva in primary dysmenorrhea: a randomized controlled pilot trial
Cynthia Rocío Márquez-Beltrán1,2, María Teresa Iglesias-López3, María Jesús Rojas-Ocaña4
1Doctoral Program in Health Sciences, Universidad de Huelva, Huelva, Spain.
Introduction:
Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) affects a high percentage of women of reproductive age and is one of the most common causes of school and work absenteeism. It significantly reduces quality of life and impairs daily activities. Strawberry consumption has demonstrated benefits in chronic and inflammatory diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of consuming fresh strawberries from Huelva on menstrual pain in young female university students with primary dysmenorrhea.
Methods:
A randomized clinical trial was conducted including 64 participants with PD, who were randomly assigned to either the control (n = 31) or intervention group (n = 33). The intervention consisted of the daily intake of 250 g of fresh strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa, Fortuna cultivar) for 1 month. The primary outcome was pain intensity assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS). The secondary outcomes included the variables menstrual cycle length, bleeding duration, hours of sleep, absenteeism, perception of health status, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and mental well-being. The data were collected at baseline, at 1 month and at 2 months.
Results:
A significant decrease in maximum self-reported menstrual pain was observed at one and 2 months compared with baseline in the intervention group. Regarding menstrual cycle duration, a significant between-group difference was observed between the cycle preceding the study and the second cycle, with a greater shortening in the control group. Perceived health status was also significantly higher in the intervention group at one and 2 months compared with the control group.
Discussion:
These findings support the recommendation that healthcare professionals promote the consumption of polyphenol-rich foods, such as strawberries, for the relief of menstrual pain.
Clinical Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06250660 on 2024/01/26. This clinical trial was funded by the Asociación Onubense de Productores y Exportadores de Fresa, Freshuelva.
