Blueberry anthocyanin, insulin resistance, vascular health & cognition
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The effects of blueberry anthocyanins on insulin resistance and vascular, lung and cognitive function in a population with metabolic syndrome.
IRAS ID
129828
Contact name
Aedin Cassidy
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of East Anglia
Research summary
Do blueberry anthocyanins improve insulin resistance, heart health, cognitive and lung function in adults with metabolic syndrome? \n\nCardiovascular (CV) disease accounted for 45,000 premature UK deaths in 2012, with the risk higher in people with ‘metabolic syndrome’ i.e. who are overweight, having high blood pressure and cholesterol, and poor blood sugar control. Dietary strategies may alleviate this burden, with evidence suggesting that anthocyanin intakes (compounds naturally present in some fruits (especially berries) and vegetables) are associated with lower blood pressure, reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes and improved cognitive and lung function (both impaired in metabolic syndrome).\n\nThis research will test if, and how, regular blueberry anthocyanin intake improves markers of metabolic syndrome, cognitive and lung function; blood, urine and faeces will be collected to determine effects within the body. To do this, 144 adults (men and postmenopausal women, aged 50-75 years) with metabolic syndrome (not taking drugs for hypertension, diabetes or taking hormone replacement therapy) will have insulin resistance, vascular, cognitive and lung function biomarkers measured, before and after 6-month freeze-dried blueberry or placebo (containing no anthocyanin) intake.\n\nSome volunteers will also have insulin resistance directly measured (via the hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp technique) and body composition assessed (using a Dual-emission X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scanner). Blood flow, vascular structures and liver fat levels will be measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in some. In addition to the 6 month assessment, for some volunteers we will also examine the acute effects (over 24 hours) of a single portion of consuming blueberry or placebo. \n\nEligible volunteers will be asked to restrict anthocyanin intake for 21 days before, and throughout the study, and attend up-to 7 assessments. The intervention will typically last 6 months +/- 4 weeks. \n\nA successful study may identify how anthocyanins could improve heart health, insulin resistance, cognitive and lung function
REC name
East of England - Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/EE/0292
Date of REC Opinion
7 Oct 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion