Although much effort has been done to lower LDL-cholesterol concentrations, there is still a substantial risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Another strategy to lower the risk for CVD is elevating the HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C). Both in vitro and in vivo studies showed that elevating HDL-C or apolipoprotein A-I (Apo A-I) levels protect against CVD. However, despite many initiatives, no new widely applicable intervention strategies with proven efficacy have been developed.

Epidemiologic studies have shown that a higher polyphenol intake is associated with a lower risk for CVD. Resveratrol, a polyphenol, could, through several beneficial mechanisms, exert a positive effect on formation of atherosclerotic plaques and thus on developing CVD. It has been shown in animals that resveratrol elevates PPAR-alpha activity. This may lead to elevated apo A-I and HDL-C levels in the blood. However, these effects are not shown in human intervention studies.

Inclusion Criteria:

• aged between 45 and 70 years

• HDL-C <1.0 mmol/L (men)

• HDL-C <1.3 mmol/L (women)

• serum total cholesterol <8.0 mmol/L

• plasma glucose <7.0 mmol/L

• BMI between 25 - 35 kg/m2

• non-smoking

• willingness to abstain from resveratrol rich products from two weeks prior to the study and the duration of the study:

  • grapes and grape juice
  • wine (red and white)
  • all berries
  • peanuts
  • peanut butter
  • soy (products)
  • pomegranate

Exclusion Criteria:

• unstable body weight (weight gain or loss >3 kg in the past 3 months)
• indication for treatment with cholesterol-lowering drugs according to the Dutch Cholesterol Consensus
• use of medication or a medically-prescribed diet known to affect serum lipid or glucose metabolism
• Active cardiovascular disease (for instance congestive heart failure) or recent (<6 months) event, such as acute myocardial infarction or cerebro-vascular accident
• not willing to stop the consumption of vitamin supplements, fish oil capsules or products rich in plant stanol or sterol esters 3 weeks before the start of the study
• men: consumption of >21 glasses of alcohol-containing drinks per week women: consumption of >14 glasses of alcohol-containing drinks per week
• abuse of drugs
• pregnant or breastfeeding women
• participation in another biomedical study within 1 month prior to the screening visit
• having donated blood (as blood donor) within 1 month prior to the screening visit or planning to do so during the study
• impossible or difficult to puncture as evidenced during the screening visits