The study will compare Concord grape juice to a beverage that contains no grape flavonoids, but has a similar appearance and taste (placebo juice). A total of 60 overweight and obese participants over age 50 will be enrolled. Each participant will drink each beverage for 4 weeks with a 2-week rest period between two beverage consumption periods. The order of beverages (grape juice first or placebo juice first) will be randomized. The investigators will use ultrasound to measure brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, a measure of endothelial vasodilator function. The investigators will also collect blood samples to further assess the cardiovascular effects of grape juice. The aim of the study is to determine whether Concord grape juice improves endothelial function in patients at risk who do not have cardiovascular disease and may provide information that would guide dietary recommendations. The results may also be used by the sponsor to substantiate claims and labeling of their product.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
77
Grape Juice 12 oz per day
Placebo Grape Juice 12 oz per day
Boston University School of Medicine
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Brachial artery flow mediated dilation
Endothelial function will be assessed as brachial artery flow-mediated dilation using vascular ultrasound
Time frame: 4 weeks
Nitroglycerin-mediated dilation
Non-endothelium-dependent dilation will be assessed by measuring the dilator response to sublingual nitroglycerin using vascular ultrasound
Time frame: 4 weeks
Carotid-Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity
Central aortic stiffness will be assessed as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity using applanation tonometry
Time frame: 4 weeks
Reactive hyperemia
We will use vascular ultrasound to determine maximal hyperemic flow velocity in the brachial artery induced by 4-minute cuff occlusion.
Time frame: 4 weeks
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