Subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus and overweight/ obesity will participate in the present study. They will follow a 12-week energy-restricted dietary intervention supplemented with a certain amount of bread enriched with hydroxytyrosol. The effects of the dietary intervention on biochemical parameters (blood glucose and cholesterol levels) and body weight reduction will be examined.
Hydroxytyrosol is a phenolic compound drawn from the olive tree and its leaves as a by-product obtained from the manufacturing of olive oil and has antioxidant and antidiabetic effects. The use of HT extract in food products is a good strategy to improve their nutritional quality. However, this extract has a strong odour and flavour, so it is important to be encapsulated for the odour and flavour to be covered up. The purpose of the study is to investigate the effects of regular consumption of bread enriched with HT on biochemical parameters (blood glucose and cholesterol levels).