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Tart Cherry Juice and Markers of Inflammation, CVD, and Diabetes

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Hyperuricemia
CVD
Insulin Resistance
Obesity
Interventions
Dietary Supplement: Tart cherry juice
Other: Placebo
Registration Number
NCT03636529
Lead Sponsor
University of Memphis
Brief Summary

In this study, the investigators recruited at-risk individuals (n=26) who were overweight (25.0-29.9 kg/m2) and obese (\> 30.0 kg/m2) and likely to exhibit one or more conditions associated with Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). In this 12-week placebo-controlled 2 x 2 crossover dietary intervention, the investigators randomized participants to consume 240 mL (8 ounces) daily of either placebo (artificial cherry-flavored, anthocyanin-free beverage) or TCJ for 4 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout period, then consumption of the alternate beverage for 4 weeks. Subsequently, the investigators determined the effect of TCJ in at-risk participants on markers of uricemia, lipidemia, glycemia, and inflammation.

Detailed Description

In this study, the investigators recruited at-risk individuals (n=26) who were overweight (25.0-29.9 kg/m2) and obese (\> 30.0 kg/m2) and likely to exhibit one or more conditions associated with MetS. Participants were \>18 years of age, not pregnant, not diabetic, with no unresolved infections or diseases (diabetes, CVD, IBD, cancer and liver disease), and nonsmokers. Histories of medication and dietary supplement use were collected and those taking anti-inflammatory or lipid-lowering medications were excluded. After enrollment, participants were randomly assigned to consume daily either 240 mL (8 ounces) of TCJ diluted (1:6 v/v) from concentrate (Coloma Frozen Foods, Coloma, MI ) or a placebo beverage for 4 weeks. The placebo was prepared by combining 48.3 g each of dextrose and fructose (Batory Foods, Des Plaines, IL), food-grade red and blue dyes (2.0 mL and 0.1 mL, respectively; McCormick \& Company, Inc., Sparks, MD), lemon powder drink mix (0.8 g; True Citrus, Baltimore, MD), powdered black cherry drink mix (4.0 g; Kraft Foods Group, Inc., Northfield, IL), and filtered, bottled water (local supermarket) to produce 1 liter of placebo beverage. After a 4-week washout period, participants consumed the alternate beverage for 4 weeks in this 12-week 2x2 crossover, placebo-controlled dietary intervention. Subsequently, the investigators determined the effect of TCJ in at-risk participants on markers of uricemia (sUA), lipidemia (HDL, LDL, triglycerides, VLDL, total cholesterol), glycemia (fasting insulin and glucose, HOMA, QUICKI, McAuley indirect indices), and inflammation (hsCRP, TNF-alpha, and ESR).

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
26
Inclusion Criteria
  • This study was a 12-week 2 x 2 crossover, randomized, placebo-controlled dietary intervention in overweight and obese participants (BMI>25.0 kg/m2) who are more likely to exhibit >1 of the 5 risk conditions associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS). BMI was the minimal criterion for recruitment.
Exclusion Criteria
  • Participants were >18 years of age, not pregnant, not diabetic, with no unresolved infections or diseases (diabetes, CVD, IBD, cancer and liver disease), and nonsmokers. Histories of medication and dietary supplement use were collected and those taking anti-inflammatory or lipid-lowering medications were excluded.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
CROSSOVER
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Tart cherry juice (TCJ)Tart cherry juiceParticipants randomized to consume either placebo beverage or tart cherry juice at beginning of the study followed by a 4 week washout then switch over to the alternate beverage to account for timing and order effects.
PlaceboPlaceboParticipants randomized to consume either placebo beverage or tart cherry juice at beginning of the study followed by a 4 week washout then switch over to the alternate beverage to account for timing and order effects.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
serum uric acid4 weeks

Hyperuricemia contributes to gout, a frequently occurring, complex rheumatologic form of inflammatory arthritis. The primary outcome measure of this study was serum uric acid and its reduction by TCJ consumption.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Serum triglycerides4 weeks

Increased serum triglycerides contribute to CVD and MetS. Serum TG was measured as a secondary outcome measure and the effect of TCJ in lowering levels.

High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP)4 weeks

Elevated levels of hsCRP indicate inflammation. Serum levels of hsCRP as a secondary outcome measure were measured and the effect of TCJ in potentially lowering.

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