Food Research International · Aug 7, 2026

A functional citrus-based food obtained by membrane process vs. metformin for the prevention of metabolic syndrome/type 2 diabetes in rats

By Dhuique-Mayer C, Lambert K, Hammad I et al.

A membrane processing approach was used to produce citrus-based functional food enriched in carotenoids, hesperidin, and pectins. We assessed its potential to attenuate metabolic alterations associated with metabolic syndrome/type 2 diabetes (MetS/T2D) in fructose-fed rats. This formulation was administered daily (2 mL per rat) and compared with metformin, a reference antidiabetic treatment. Two versions of the product, differing in sugar content, were tested and compared with the original citrus juice used for processing. Consumption of the citrus concentrates improved glucose tolerance, fasting glycaemia, insulinaemia, insulin sensitivity, and lipid profile, with efficacy approaching that of metformin. Moreover, the citrus concentrates enhanced hepatic vitamin A stores in prediabetic rats. These beneficial effects were observed irrespective of the sugar content of the concentrate, suggesting that the membrane-generated, bioactive-rich citrus matrix plays a key role beyond sugar reduction. Compared with the original citrus juice, the membrane-processed concentrates produced broader metabolic improvements, particularly in parameters related to insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis, which are key features of the prediabetic state. Although the effects were generally less pronounced than those observed with metformin, the citrus concentrates showed potential as nutrient-dense dietary interventions for the early management of metabolic disturbances associated with MetS/T2D. The greater efficacy of the concentrates compared with the corresponding juice may be related to the enrichment and preservation of bioactive compounds within a pectin-rich citrus matrix generated by membrane processing. These findings support further investigation of membrane-engineered citrus products as functional foods for metabolic health.

doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2026.120323 Open access PubMed 42705717 Interventions