Feijoa Powder Shows Blood Pressure Effect in Clinical Trial

What the Auckland Feijoa Trial Discovered

A randomized clinical trial by researchers at the University of Auckland found that daily feijoa powder intake improved systolic blood pressure during weight loss. The trial evaluated 97 adults with elevated blood sugar across a six-month intervention. Participants took approximately one gram of whole-fruit feijoa powder, branded as Feiolix and supplied by Anagenix Ltd, or a matching placebo with their breakfast each morning.

The blood pressure improvement occurred as an unexpected secondary observation. The trial, named FERDINAND, was designed to investigate whether feijoa could reduce type 2 diabetes risk by enhancing weight loss or improving blood glucose control.

Blood Sugar and Weight Loss Outcomes

Feijoa powder did not produce meaningful changes in body weight or blood sugar levels compared to the placebo. For the first two months, all participants followed a meal replacement program to reduce body weight. The remaining four months focused on maintaining that weight loss.

Blood glucose measurements remained comparable between both arms of the study. Dr. Ibrahim Mohamed of the University of Auckland's Human Nutrition Unit stated that the metabolic markers the team set out to evaluate showed no change from the supplement.

Bioactive Compounds in Whole Feijoa Fruit

Feijoa contains specific plant compounds that interest nutrition researchers studying cardiovascular and metabolic function. These include polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamin C, and abscisic acid (ABA).

Scientists examine these compounds for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic actions. A prior short-term clinical trial in Iran observed metabolic changes in patients with type 2 diabetes, prompting New Zealand researchers to study long-term outcomes in people with prediabetes.

Trial Limitations and Next Research Steps

The blood pressure findings remain preliminary because the effect did not reach consistency across all statistical analyses. The sample size of 97 participants limits the certainty of the outcome.

Dr. Ibrahim Mohamed noted that larger cohorts are required to confirm whether feijoa powder contributes to lower systolic blood pressure. The study was conducted in collaboration with AgResearch, the Malaghan Institute, and Plant and Food Research under the High-Value Nutrition National Science Challenge (Ko Ngā Kai Whai Painga).

Context for Metabolic Health Management

Individuals managing blood pressure or prediabetes should treat these findings as an early signal rather than an established therapy. Whole-fruit extracts do not replace proven clinical protocols for hypertension or blood glucose regulation.

Anyone reviewing their dietary routine should speak with a clinician about their broader cardiovascular care plan. Larger clinical trials will be required to establish whether feijoa provides repeatable blood pressure support.