HEALTH NEWS

Study Title:

Berry Consumption Improves Cardiovascular Function

Study Abstract

Background: Berries are a particularly rich source of polyphenols. They also contain other bioactive substances, such as vitamin C. Previous studies indicated that the consumption of polyphenol-rich foods (eg, cocoa, tea, and red wine) may induce beneficial changes in pathways related to cardiovascular health. Whether the consumption of berries has similar effects is unknown.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the effects of berry consumption on hemostatic function, serum lipids, and blood pressure (BP).

Design: Middle-aged unmedicated subjects (n = 72) with cardiovascular risk factors consumed moderate amounts of berry or control products for 8 wk in a single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled intervention trial.

Results: Berry consumption inhibited platelet function as measured with a platelet function analyzer (using collagen and ADP as platelet activator) [changes: 11% and –1.4% in the berry and control groups, respectively; P = 0.018, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA)]. Plasma biomarkers of platelet activation, coagulation, and fibrinolysis did not change during the intervention. Serum HDL-cholesterol concentrations increased significantly more (P = 0.006, ANCOVA) in the berry than in the control group (5.2% and 0.6%, respectively), but total cholesterol and triacylglycerol remained unchanged. Systolic BP decreased significantly (P = 0.050, ANCOVA), the decrease mostly occurred in subjects with high baseline BP (7.3 mm Hg in highest tertile; P = 0.024, ANCOVA). Polyphenol and vitamin C concentrations in plasma increased, whereas other nutritional biomarkers (ie, folate, tocopherols, sodium, and potassium) were unaffected.

Study Information

Iris Erlund, Raika Koli, Georg Alfthan, Jukka Marniemi, Pauli Puukka, Pirjo Mustonen, Pirjo Mattila and Antti Jula.
Favorable effects of berry consumption on platelet function, blood pressure, and HDL cholesterol.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
2008 February
From the Biomarker Laboratory, Department of Health and Functional Capacity, National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland (IE, RK, and GA), the Population Research Laboratory, Department of Health and Functional Capacity, National Public Health Inst