Randomized controlled trial for an effect of green tea-extract powder supplementation on glucose abnormalities.

OBJECTIVE: We examined whether green tea-extract powder supplementation improves glucose abnormality. METHODS: The study was conducted for volunteers who resided in eastern communities of Shizuoka Prefecture and who had fasting blood glucose levels of >or=6.1 mmol/l or nonfasting blood glucose levels of >or=7.8 mmol/l in a recent health check-up. Sixty subjects aged 32-73 years (49 males and 11 females) participated in the trial. The Early intervention group consumed a packet of green tea-extract powder containing 544 mg polyphenols (456 mg catechins) daily for the first 2 months and then entered the 2-month nonintervention period. The Later intervention group was observed for the first 2 months and then consumed green tea-extract powder as described above for the subsequent 2 months. Using the two-period crossover design, we analyzed the changes in fasting hemoglobin A1c level and other biomarkers in blood samples collected at baseline, 2 months and 4 months. RESULTS: A significant reduction in hemoglobin A1c level and a borderline significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure were associated with the intervention. The intervention caused no significant changes in weight, body mass index, body fat, systolic blood pressure, fasting serum glucose level, homeostasis model assessment index, serum lipid level or hypersensitive C-reactive protein. CONCLUSION: Daily supplementary intake of green tea-extract powder lowered the hemoglobin A1c level in individuals with borderline diabetes.