Synopsis: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a global challenge for atherosclerosis. It was hypothesized that a four-week consumption of anthocyanin supplements by MetS patients who had three or more risk factors linked with metabolic syndrome would observe a greater improvement in cardiometabolic biomarkers and reduce the risk of thrombosis with anthocyanin intake.
Fifty-five adults, aged 25-27 were recruited for the study and classed as healthy or with metabolic syndrome. They supplemented for four weeks with 640mg per day of anthocyanins. The findings showed:
- Anthocyanin lowered average serum fasting blood glucose levels 13%
- 25% reductions in triglyceride in the MetS group
- LDL-cholesterol reduced 33% in MetS group
- Total cholesterol reduced 14%
Women also experienced an average reduction of 28% in the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein.
The study indicated that four weeks of anthocyanin intervention had favourable effects on cardiometabolic risk factors. As a preventative approach, berry-rich anthocyanins may inhibit the progression of atherosclerosis in the MetS population.
Nutrition Research https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2020.02.011
