Diets rich in fruits and vegetables have been linked to favorable cardiovascular outcomes in epidemiological studies. Dietary intervention studies with certain micronutrients have shown promising effects on surrogate parameters of vascular risk including blood pressure, endothelial function and cholesterol levels. Wild blueberries have gained attention due to their high content of phytochemicals and particularly anthocyanins. Whether wild blueberries can improve vascular function and health when given over relevant time periods and in relevant populations is not known. Therefore, it is the overall hypothesis of the study proposal that chronic consumption of wild blueberries can improve endothelial function, a prognostically validated surrogate of cardiovascular risk.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
45
22 grams freeze-dried blueberry powder per day. Sustained intake (2x 11 grams daily over 1 month) of a drink consisting on freeze-dried wild blueberry powder dissolved in water
Sustained intake (2x 11 grams daily over 1 month) of a drink consisting in placebo powder dissolved in water
Division of Cardiology, Pulmonary Disease and Vascular Medicine, University Hospital Duesseldorf
Düsseldorf, Germany
Endothelial function
Determination of endothelial function by Flow mediated dilation (FMD) 0 and 2 hours postconsumption
Time frame: baseline and 1 month
Pulse wave velocity
Measured by SphygmoCor 0 and 2 hours postconsumption
Time frame: baseline and 1 month
Blood pressure
automatical measurements, 0 and 2 hours postconsumption
Time frame: baseline and 1 month
Blood lipids
biochemical analysis, 0 and 2 hours postconsumption
Time frame: baseline and 1 month
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