Effects of Oral Fruit Concentrate Supplementation in Pre-Metabolic Syndrome.
Effects of Oral Fruit Concentrate Supplementation in Pre-Metabolic Syndrome.
Cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus and associated metabolic diseases are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide; therefore, effective preventive interventions are required. Pre-metabolic syndrome, characterised by the presence of two metabolic syndrome components, represents an important opportunity for intervention before progression to metabolic syndrome and overt cardiometabolic disease. Dietary interventions are particularly sought after because they generally carry less risk than pharmacological treatments. Anthocyanins, found in high concentrations in tart cherries and blueberries, possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may improve cardiometabolic health. However, the cardiometabolic effects of tart cherry and blueberry supplementation have not been directly compared in individuals with pre-metabolic syndrome.
Therefore, the primary purpose of the proposed investigation is to compare the ability of oral tart cherry and blueberry supplementation to improve cardiometabolic parameters in individuals with pre-metabolic syndrome.
Inclusion Criteria:
Aged 18-65 years. Meet two of the five metabolic syndrome criteria. Not taking prescribed medication specifically intended to manage blood pressure, blood glucose or blood lipids.
Able to complete written questionnaires independently. Able to provide informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
Diagnosed diabetes mellitus. Known cardiovascular disease or clinically significant cardiovascular comorbidity, including coronary heart disease, symptomatic heart failure, clinically significant arrhythmia, or a history of stroke or transient ischaemic attack within the previous six months.
Known or suspected secondary hypertension, including renal, renovascular or endocrine causes.
Known clinically significant renal impairment or severe hepatic disease. Evidence or history of hypertension-related target-organ damage requiring specialist management.
Pregnant or lactating. Allergy or known intolerance to tart cherry/ blueberry or any ingredient contained in the intervention or placebo.
Habitual consumption of tart cherry/ blueberry products. Regular consumption of antioxidant or other dietary supplements likely to influence cardiometabolic outcomes.
Body mass index greater than 40.0 kg/m². Current enrolment in another clinical trial or use of another intervention or therapy likely to influence the study outcomes.
Any condition likely to compromise informed consent, protocol compliance or outcome assessment, including severe psychiatric illness, cognitive impairment, or active substance or alcohol misuse.