Effect of fruit and vegetable concentrates on endothelial function in metabolic syndrome: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background and ObjectiveDehydrated fruit and vegetable concentrates provide an accessible form of phytonutrient supplementation that may offer cardioprotective effects. This study assessed the effects of two blends of encapsulated juice powder concentrates (with and without added berry powders) on endothelial function in persons with metabolic syndrome, a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.MethodsRandomized, double blind, placebo controlled crossover clinical trial with three treatment arms. 64 adults with metabolic syndrome were enrolled and received 8-week sequences of each blend of the concentrates and placebo. The primary outcome measure was change in endothelial function (assessed as flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery) 2 hr after consuming a 75 g glucose load, after 8-weeks of daily consumption (sustained) or 2 hr after consumption of a single dose (acute). Secondary outcome measures included plasma glucose, serum insulin, serum lipids, and body weight.ResultsNo significant between-group differences in endothelial function with daily treatment for 8 weeks were seen. No other significant treatment effects were discerned in glucose, insulin, lipids, and weight.ConclusionEncapsulated fruit and vegetable juice powder concentrates did not alter insulin or glucose measures in this sample of adults with metabolic syndrome.Trial Registrationclinicaltrials.gov NCT01224743

Cocoa Flavanol Cardiovascular Effects Beyond Blood Pressure Reduction

“…Normotensive and mildly hypertensive patients with 50 mg epicatechin intake daily revealed a significant reduction in mean arterial and diastolic office BP compared with placebo (Figure ) . These results match well with the conclusion of a Cochrane Review from 2012 integrating 20 RCTs (n=856) with 2‐ to 18‐week duration of daily epicatechin and catechin intake (dose 7–236 mg daily) . There was a significant reduction in office systolic (: −2.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], −4.72 to −0.82 mm Hg; P =.005 [n=20 clinical trials, 856 participants]) and diastolic (: −2.20; 95% CI, −3.46 to −0.93 mm Hg; P =.006 [n=19] clinical trials, 824 participants) BP compared with placebo (Figure ) .…”

Effects of Walnuts on Endothelial Function in Overweight Adults with Visceral Obesity: A Randomized, Controlled, Crossover Trial

“…Endothelial function was measured noninvasively in the right brachial artery by a high-frequency ultrasound scanning machine (Sonos 4500, Phillips Medical Systems, Andover, MA) in accordance with published guidelines [21] and our previous endothelial function studies [20, 22–24]. Subjects were required to rest in a quiet, temperature-controlled, softly lit room for 15 minutes before scanning was initiated.…”

A systematic review of vascular and endothelial function: Effects of fruit, vegetable and potassium intake

“…Encapsulated grape solids (6Â 500 mg/d for two weeks) had no effect on FMD response to a high fat meal [40]. In a study investigating the effects fruit and vegetable extracts on FMD in an overweight population with metabolic syndrome, there were no differences following 8 weeks of supplementation when compared to [ [ placebo [41]. Wild blueberry drink (250 ml) had no effect on endothelial function, as measured by Endo-PAT2000, over a six week intervention in healthy subjects [42] and homogenised blueberries (300 g) had no effect on RHI or NO compared to placebo in the postprandial state [43].…”