• Total cholesterol measured at weeks 0, 2, and 4 of each phase
  
• LDL cholesterol measured at weeks 0, 2, and 4 of each phase
  
• C-reactive protein measured at weeks 0, 2 and 4 of each phase
  
• Blood pressure measured at weeks 0, 2 and 4 of each phase
  

• Apolipoprotein A1 and B measured at weeks 0, 2, and 4 of each phase
  
• Lp(a) measured at weeks 0, 2, and 4 of each phase
  
• Oxidative stress measured at weeks 0, 2, and 4 of each phase
  
• Strawberry intake measured at weeks 0, 2, and 4 of each phase
  
• Compliance to portfolio diet components measured at weeks 0, 2 and 4 of each phase
  
• 24 hour urinary potassium measured at weeks 0 and 4 of each phase
  
• 24 hour urinary calcium measured at weeks 0 and 4 of each phase
  

We have shown in 1-month metabolic studies that the dietary portfolio can lower cholesterol to the same extent as first generation statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs). In the on-going long-term 'real world' study using this dietary portfolio, only one-third of participants were able to achieve similar cholesterol reductions at the end of 1 year. Varying compliance has been identified as the main issue why the other two-thirds could not achieve a similar level of reduction. We believe the addition of strawberries to this diet, by virtue of their beneficial components (fibre and antioxidants)and by replacement of less desirable foods (fatty deserts), may further improve the CHD risk profile of a very effective cholesterol reduction strategy.

Method:

454 g of strawberries per 2000 kcal per day will be provided for a one-month period to approximately 40-50 subjects on a long-term dietary portfolio study, all of whom have been on the diet for at least 6 months to 1 year. The active dietary components consist of viscous vibers (including oat bran), soy products (including soy milk), almonds and plant sterols (sterol enriched margarine). Strawberry recipes will be used to enhance compliance of these components. Subjects will undergo the study in a randomized crossover design where the control will be the dietary portfolio with additional 65 g oatbran bread (without psyllium) replacing the strawberries.

Bloods will be taken at weeks 0, 2 and 4 of each treatment period; and at one month prior to and after the 8-week study while on the long-term dietary portfolio.