Acute Cardio-metabolic Responses to Montmorency Tart Cherry Supplementation in Metabolic Syndrome Patients

Acute Cardio-metabolic Responses to Different Forms of Montmorency Tart Cherry Supplementation in Humans With Metabolic Syndrome

The present study examined the effect of Montmorency tart cherry juice and capsules on functional and blood-based cardio-metabolic markers in humans with Metabolic Syndrome. Participants received a single bolus of Montmorency tart cherry juice, Montmorency tart cherry capsules and placebo in a random, crossover trial. Outcome variables were measured immediately pre- and up to 5 hours post-bolus. It was hypothesised that Montmorency tart cherry juice and capsules would improve cardio-metabolic markers. Furthermore, it was hypothesised that Montmorency tart cherry capsules would be more beneficial than Montmorency tart cherry juice due to increased bioavailability of phytochemicals.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Non-smoker,

Meet 3 of 5 criteria for Metabolic Syndrome based on National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines:

1. Waist Circumference: >102cm (men), >88cm (women)
2. Fasting Serum Triglycerides: ≥1.69 mmol.L-1
3. Fasting High Density Lipoprotein: <1.03 mmol.L-1 (men), <1.29 mmol.L-1 (women)
4. Blood Pressure: ≥130 mmHg SBP or ≥85 mmHg DBP
5. Fasting Plasma Glucose: ≥6.1 mmol.L-1

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current or previous history of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, hepatic or renal disease, currently diagnosed with diabetes or uncontrolled hypertension (≥160/100 mmHg), allergy to maltodextrin or specific fruit products and those currently taking medication (such as steroids, NSAIDs, antibiotics, antihypertensive, hypoglycaemic, lipid-lowering drugs) or currently using any nutritional or antioxidant supplement. Heavy alcohol consumption (>14 units per week).