The Effects of Polyphenol-rich Berry Juice on Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Subjects

The Effects of Polyphenol-rich Berry Juice on Blood Pressure and Additional CVD Related Parameters in Pre-hypertensive Subjects

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of berry juices containing different levels of polyphenols on blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors.

The study is a 12 week double blinded randomized controlled intervention trial. The subjects will be divided in three groups where one receives a placebo juice while the two other will consume 0.5 liter of juice containing different levels of polyphenols. Blood pressure will be monitored and blood samples will be taken.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pre-hypertension or hypertension systolic blood pressure in the 130-179 mmHg range and/or diastolic blood pressure in the 85-109 mmHg range)
• BMI 20-35 kg/m2
• Stable weight (change <4 kg previous 12 weeks)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Regular use of blood pressure lowering agens
• Diabetes type I or II
• Smokers
• Allergy to grape, cherries, blueberries/bilberries, black currant, aronia
• Supplements for weight loss
• Changes in pharmacological treatment of hyperlipidemia or hyperglycemia (initiation, termination or changes in dosage) last 30 days prior to inclusion or during the study period (run-in and intervention)
• Participation in a drug trial during the previous 30 days