Effects of Oral Fruit Concentrate Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Parameters.

Effects of Oral Fruit Concentrate Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Parameters.

Cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus and associated diseases combined are the leading health burden and cause of mortality worldwide; therefore, the necessity for an intervention is paramount. Dietary interventions to improve cardiometabolic health are highly sought after as they possess less risk than pharmacological drugs. Anthocyanins, found in high quantities in both tart cherries and blueberries are powerful antioxidants, that are potentially capable of improving cardiometabolic dysfunction. However, to date, no research has explored the cardiometabolic responses to tart cherry and blueberry supplementation.

Therefore, the primary purpose of the proposed investigation is to test the ability of oral tart cherry and blueberry supplementation to improve cardiometabolic parameters in healthy individuals.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy
• 18 years of age and above
• Non-smoker
• BMI < 30
• Able to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy
• Diabetes or any other metabolic/ uncontrolled hypertensive conditions
• Food allergies to cherries or blueberries
• Habitual consumption of blueberries/ cherries and/or blueberry/ cherry products
• Not regularly taking medication or antioxidant supplements