Fruit bioactives for good metabolic and vascular health
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluation of bioactive compounds in fruit for improved metabolic and vascular health in overweight/obese volunteers.
IRAS ID
97525
Contact name
Paul J Thornalley
Contact email
Research summary
This study will test if two selected compounds found in fruits given together improve blood glucose control and blood vessel function and are thereby likely to decrease risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Development of type 2 diabetes is increasing and is an important cause of impaired quality of life and premature death in the United Kingdom. Heart disease is the major cause of death in the United Kingdom. Compounds from fruits and vegetables have been screened in human cells grown in culture for ability to in expression of proteins known to prevent development of increased blood glucose and blood vessel damage preceding development of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Two potent inducers found in fruit, most effective when given together, will be tested in combination given as a daily dietary supplement capsule. We will test for blood glucose control after a meal and blood vessel function in people of good general health but at higher risk than the general population of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The participants will be overweight/obese men and women. We will recruit 32 people for our study which will be conducted at University Hospital, Coventry. The study will last for 26 weeks and will involve people taking an active ingredient or placebo capsule for 10 weeks, a 6-week interval of no supplement, and then switch to taking the alternative capsule for a further 10 weeks. Blood and urine samples will be collected and blood vessel function measured by non-invasive tests at the start and end of supplementation periods.
REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/WM/0368
Date of REC Opinion
9 Oct 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion