A berry healthy heart study, version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The effect of Aronia berry consumption on exploratory indicators of vascular function in healthy overweight men: A double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial investigating mechanisms of action on cardiometabolic health.
IRAS ID
250564
Contact name
Vanessa Rungapamestry
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Aberdeen and NHS Grampian
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
How does consumption of powdered aronia berries for 12 weeks improve indices of vascular function in healthy but overweight subjects?
Heart disease remains the leading cause of illness and death worldwide as the prevalence of risk factors for diabetes or heart disease reach pandemic proportions. We propose a dietary approach, using aronia berries, as a strategy to improve the heart health of overweight individuals at moderate risk of developing diabetes or heart disease. This approach may offer savings for health care providers and added value applications for the Agri-food, and Food and Health businesses to reach a significant portion of this rapidly growing global user community. Convincing evidence from laboratory studies in animal models and cells suggests that aronia berries, an underutilised and emerging crop grown in northern climates and rich in health-promoting compounds, may improve metabolic and heart health, however robust evidence in humans is lacking. We are therefore proposing to conduct a dietary intervention study to shed light on the potential ways through which consumption of aronia berries may improve indicators of heart health and function in overtly healthy, overweight subjects. We will test this in a double-blind randomised placebo-controlled crossover nutritional study in 30 men at moderate risk of developing heart disease, using powdered aronia berries or a maltodextrin-based placebo, for 12 weeks. We will measure blood vessel health as the primary outcome, and blood pressure, indices of heart health in blood, and blood sugar control as secondary outcomes. This project is organised by the Rowett Institute in collaboration with the Cardiac Research Facility of the University of Aberdeen. The Rural Environment science and Analytical Services (RESAS) programme from Scottish Government is funding the research.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
18/NS/0125
Date of REC Opinion
20 Nov 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion