Impacts of a Combined Berry Extract Supplement on Vascular Function and Oxygen Utility Capacity in Young Adults

Not Applicable

Completed

Conditions: Healthy

Interventions: Other: Placebo
Dietary Supplement: Berry extract

Registration Number: NCT04312022

Lead Sponsor: University of Nebraska

Brief Summary: The purpose of this study is to investigate the impacts of a combined berry extract supplement (hawthorn berry, tart cherry, and bromelain extracts) on total antioxidant capacity, endothelial function, blood pressure, oxygen utility capacity, and fatigue index in healthy young adults.

Detailed Description: There are several proposed mechanisms that are thought to contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Although the process is extremely complex, it is well-accepted that elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and inflammation contribute to the systemic vascular dysfunction in cardiovascular diseases. These factors often partially contribute to endothelial dysfunction, elevated blood pressure, reduced oxygen utility capacity, and reduced muscle function. Therefore, by reducing ROS and inflammation, there may be protective effects against vascular dysfunction and thus protection against cardiovascular disease manifestation. Intake of natural anthocyanins and polyphenols derived from fruits and vegetables has been shown to reduce excessive ROS and inflammation in several populations.

Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the impacts of a combined berry extract supplement (hawthorn berry, tart cherry, and bromelain extracts) on total antioxidant capacity, endothelial function, blood pressure, oxygen utility capacity, and fatigue index in healthy young adults.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status: COMPLETED

Sex: All

Target Recruitment: 18

Inclusion Criteria

otherwise healthy adult

Exclusion Criteria

cardiovascular disease
neurological disorder
metabolic disorder
respiratory disorder
renal diseases
musculoskeletal injury
bleeding disorder
allergy to fruit
pregnant/breast feeding
taking daily medication (prescription or over-the-counter)

Study & Design

Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL

Study Design: CROSSOVER

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Placebo intake, then Berry extract intake	Placebo	Participants received a single dose of placebo (flour capsule). After a washout period of 2 weeks, they then received a single dose of berry extract supplement (hawthorn berry extract, tart cherry extract, and bromelain).
Berry extract intake, then Placebo	Berry extract	Participants received a single dose of berry extract supplement (hawthorn berry extract, tart cherry extract, and bromelain). After a washout period of 2 weeks, they then received a single dose of the placebo (flour capsule).

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Endothelial Function	1 day	Endothelial function was measured using flow-mediated dilation in percents (%). A higher value represents a better outcome. Scale range for endothelial function is approximately 8-12% for healthy populations.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Exercise Fatigue Index During Leg Extension	1 day	Index of fatigue during leg extension exercise. A lower value represents a better outcome. Scale range is \~15 - 35% for most healthy populations.
Deoxygenated Hemoglobin	1 day	Deoxygenated hemoglobin was measured in arbitrary units (a.u.). Lower values represent a better outcome. Scale range for deoxygenated hemoglobin is \~ - 5-5 in healthy populations
Exercise Fatigue Index During Leg Flexion	1 day	Fatigue index was quantified during isokinetic contraction of the participants dominant leg before and after berry extract and placebo intake using an isokinetic dynamometer. Test consisted of mild resistance at 240°/s to induce and measure muscular fatigue. Fatigue index = (initial peak torque - final peak torque)/initial peak torque x 100). A lower value represents a better outcome. Scale range is \~15 - 35% for most healthy populations.
Oxygenated Hemoglobin	1 day	Oxygenated hemoglobin was measured in arbitrary units (a.u.). Higher values represent a better outcome. Scale range for oxygenated hemoglobin is \~5-15 a.u. in healthy populations
Oxygen Utility Capacity (Tissue Saturation Index)	1 day	Oxygen utility capacity was measured as tissue saturation index in percent (%). Higher values represent a better outcome. Scale range for tissue saturation index (TSI) is approximately 60-90% for most healthy populations at rest.
Plasma Total Antioxidant Capacity	1 day	Total antioxidant capacity assessed from the venous blood (plasma). A higher value represents a better outcome. Scale range is 10 - 20 millimoles per milliliter for most healthy populations.
Systolic Blood Pressure	1 day	Systolic blood pressure was measured as millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Higher values represent a worse outcome. Scale range for systolic blood pressure is approximately 110-129 for most healthy populations.
Diastolic Blood Pressure	1 day	Diastolic blood pressure was measured as millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Higher values represent a worse outcome. Scale range for systolic blood pressure is approximately 70-79 mmHg for most healthy populations.