Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) poses a huge global disease burden due to high morbidity and mortality rates. Dietary modifications can significantly regulate T2DM risk factors. This study primarily aimed to investigate the effects of bread fortified with pomegranate peel powder (PPP) on glycemic control, lipid profile, and anthropometric measures in patients with T2DM. METHODS: PPP was added to bread by adding 0, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, and 5% PPP. We measured the phenol content by Folin-Ciocalteu and the antioxidant activity via DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). Ninety participants were then allocated to a randomized parallel controlled intervention study, and the effects of consuming 100 g/day of bread with PPP (3.5%) on glycemic markers, lipid profiles, and anthropometrics were assessed. The bread administered to the control group was the same as that used for the intervention group except for the absence of PPP. RESULTS: The PPP-fortified bread contained greater polyphenol levels and antioxidant activity than the bread without PPP. Compared to the control bread, fortified bread with PPP showed no significant effects on anthropometric measures, blood pressure, glycemic levels, and lipid markers after adjusting for age, sex, and caloric intake. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison with control bread, PPP bread does not show much effect on glycemic parameters, lipid profile, and anthropometric measurements. Extended duration, different doses, and larger sample sizes are advisable for further studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT20191209045672N1 is the trial ID in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials. Date of registration 21/09/2020. https//en.irct.ir/trial/48,132. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-025-01672-y.