Effects of a Beverage Rich in Fruit Extracts on Risk Factors Associated With Cardiovascular Disease

Pilot Study to Assess Effects of Novel Beverages on Established and Novel Risk Markers for Vascular Disease

The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of a novel beverage rich in polyphenols (compounds present in fruit extracts) on risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease.

This study will assess the potential of a beverage containing plant and fruit extracts rich in polyphenolics to modulate vascular risk.

Novel risk factors for vascular disease will be assessed including non-invasive assessment of vascular function by pulse wave analysis / pulse wave velocity and laser doppler iontophoresis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age >/= 55 years
• BMI > 25

Exclusion Criteria:

• Present smoker or smoked within the last 2 years
• HBA1C > 6.0%
• eGFR<60
• LFT >/= 3 times upper limit of normal
• Hypertension: systolic blood pressure > 160mmHg; diastolic blood pressure > 90mmHg, or on medication for hypertension.
• Chronic disease, likely to be clinically relevant (eg:

cardiorespiratory, rheumatological, cerebrovascular or neoplastic disease)

• Vitamin supplements within the previous 14 days
• Medications which, in the opinion of the investigators, are known to influence vascular function (eg corticosteroids).