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Powdered Dates

Also known as: Date seed powder, Powdered dates (from seed), DSP, Phoenix dactylifera seed powder

Overview

Phoenix dactylifera seed powder, commonly known as date seed powder (DSP), is a functional food ingredient derived from the dried and ground seeds of the date palm. Unlike powdered date fruit, DSP is particularly rich in polyphenols, dietary fiber, and antioxidants, with minimal sugar content. It is gaining recognition as a nutritional supplement due to its potential to combat oxidative stress, enhance exercise performance, improve glycemic control, and support reproductive health. While research is emerging, including some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews, the overall evidence quality is moderate, indicating promising but not yet fully established benefits. DSP is typically odorless and flavorless, making it easy to incorporate into various foods.

Benefits

Date seed powder (DSP) offers several evidence-based benefits. For active individuals, supplementation with DSP has been shown to significantly reduce markers of oxidative stress, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), and boost antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, GPx), leading to improved aerobic and anaerobic exercise performance. This effect was observed in a high-quality RCT over two weeks. In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), an 8-week RCT demonstrated that 5 g/day of DSP significantly lowered HbA1c, insulin levels, HOMA-IR, and advanced glycation end-products, indicating improved glycemic control and reduced oxidative stress. Furthermore, a systematic review suggests that date fruit products, including seed extracts, may positively influence fertility parameters, hormonal profiles in women with PCOS, and overall reproductive health. Preliminary evidence also points to potential anti-inflammatory effects and improvements in mental health, though more robust research is needed in these areas.

How it works

Date seed powder (DSP) exerts its beneficial effects primarily through its high concentration of polyphenols, which act as potent antioxidants. These compounds scavenge free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress and protecting cellular components from damage. DSP also modulates the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), enhancing the body's natural defense mechanisms. In metabolic contexts, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties contribute to improved insulin sensitivity and a reduction in advanced glycation end-products. For reproductive health, DSP's antioxidant and metabolic improvements may indirectly influence hormonal regulation and ovarian function. The dietary fiber content in DSP may also play a role by modulating gut microbiota, which can further impact metabolic health and nutrient absorption.

Side effects

Date seed powder (DSP) appears to have a favorable safety profile. Clinical trials, including studies using doses up to 5 g/day for 8 weeks, have not reported any significant adverse effects. Common side effects have not been documented in the available research. There are no established drug interactions, though caution is advised for individuals with diabetes due to DSP's potential to lower blood glucose levels, which could theoretically interact with antidiabetic medications. No specific contraindications have been identified, but individuals with known allergies to date palm products should exercise caution. While DSP has been studied in healthy active adults and patients with type 2 diabetes, data on its safety in special populations such as pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, or children are currently limited, warranting further research before widespread recommendation in these groups.

Dosage

The recommended dosage for date seed powder (DSP) varies depending on the intended benefit. A minimum effective dose of 2.5 g/day has been observed to provide benefits in exercise-related oxidative stress and performance. For individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus, an optimal dose of 5 g/day has shown significant improvements in glycemic control and oxidative stress markers over an 8-week period. The maximum safe dose has not been definitively established, but studies have demonstrated safety at 5 g/day for up to 8 weeks. DSP is typically consumed in its powdered form, which is odorless and flavorless, making it easy to mix into semi-solid foods like yogurt. It can be taken with meals. The bioavailability of its active compounds, particularly polyphenols, may be influenced by the food matrix and individual gut microbiota.

FAQs

Is powdered date seed the same as powdered date fruit?

No, powdered date seed is derived from the seed and is rich in polyphenols and fiber, while powdered date fruit comes from the flesh and contains more sugars.

Can it replace medications for diabetes?

No, date seed powder may complement standard diabetes treatment but should not be used as a replacement for prescribed medications.

How soon do benefits appear?

Some antioxidant and exercise performance benefits may be observed within 2 weeks, while glycemic improvements typically require about 8 weeks of consistent use.

Is it safe for long-term use?

Long-term safety data for date seed powder are currently limited, though short-term use (up to 8 weeks) appears to be safe based on current research.

Research Sources

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/effects-of-date-seed-phoenix-dactylifera-supplementation-on-exerciseinduced-oxidative-stress-and-aerobic-and-anaerobic-performance-following-highintensity-interval-training-sessions-a-randomised-doubleblind-placebocontrolled-trial/85498E6968895239A1C499BE6F7FC981 – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of date seed powder (DSP) on exercise-induced oxidative stress and performance in 36 active individuals. Results showed that DSP supplementation significantly reduced markers of oxidative stress (MDA) and increased antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx), leading to improved aerobic and anaerobic performance after two weeks of high-intensity interval training.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41387-024-00287-1 – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 60 T2DM patients examined the impact of 5 g/day DSP over 8 weeks. The study found that DSP significantly decreased HbA1c, insulin levels, HOMA-IR, and advanced glycation end-products, indicating improved glycemic control and reduced oxidative stress in diabetic patients.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12244291/ – This systematic review analyzed 21 studies on date fruit products, including seed extracts, and their effects on reproductive health. The review concluded that date fruit products show promise in improving fertility parameters, hormonal profiles in women with PCOS, sexual function, and ovarian function, based on both animal and human data.