Bioavailability of Ration Items Containing Tart Cherry Extract

Consumption of tart cherry (TC) products may have beneficial effects on military performance. For example, in-vitro and in-vivo evidence indicates the benefits of TC products on muscle. This includes reduced muscle damage, muscle soreness and strength decrements after resistance exercise; and increased antioxidant capacity, reduced inflammation and reduced lipid peroxidation following endurance exercise. Prior to assessing potential performance benefits, DEVCOM-Soldier Center's Combat Feeding Division (CFD) is seeking to determine the effect of shelf-stable tart cherry powder (TCP)-containing food items on the bioavailability and absorption of polyphenols in humans.

The primary objective of his study is to evaluate the postprandial concentrations of anthocyanins, anthocyanidins, flavonols, phenolic acids, and their degradation products in response to a TCP-containing, shelf-stable bar and shelf-stable powdered drink, compared to a non-TCP containing control item and a TC-containing commercial item. Secondary objectives are to determine postprandial polyphenol absorption via urine concentrations of anthocyanins, anthocyanidins, flavonols, phenolic acids and their degradation products; and circulating antioxidant capacity. Active-duty military personnel and civilians will be invited to participate in the study if they are between the ages of 18 (or 17 for military personnel) and 39, are willing to participate in all study procedures and comply with all study instruction and pass a general medical clearance.

In this randomized, crossover study, participants will consume three different food products containing TC component and a control (food item without TC) over four different sessions. Each session will be followed by a five-day washout period. On the day of each experimental session, and after verification of compliance with study procedures (e.g., overnight fast and low polyphenol diet day prior…), an IV catheter will be inserted, and an initial blood sample will be collected. Immediately following, volunteers will consume either: 1) commercially available TC juice ("gold standard"), 2) CFD-formulated snack bar containing TCP, 3) CFD-formulated powdered drink containing TCP, or 4) CFD-formulated beverage containing no polyphenols (Figure 1). TC containing treatments will be matched by total anthocyanin content (~120 mg total). Blood samples will be collected on the day of each session and the day after for measurement of circulating phenolic compounds (by CFD using LC-MS). Biomarkers of oxidation and anti-oxidation will also be measured, along with associations between study outcomes and gut microbiome composition. Complete data will be collected for up to 15 participants.

Inclusion criteria

• Active duty military personnel and civilians will be invited to participate in the study if they:

• Are between the ages of 18 (or 17 for military personnel) and 39.
• Are willing to participate in all study procedures and comply with all study instruction.
• In good health as determined by OMSO (Office of Medical Support and Oversight).
• Supervisor approval for federal civilian employees and non-HRV active-duty military personnel stationed at NSSC

Exclusion criteria

• • Unable to understand verbal or written instructions or testing materials in English.

• Have a bleeding disorder (e.g., von Willebrand Disease, hemophilia) or are being treated with medication that will impair blood clotting (for example, coumadin)
• Have a history of GI-related conditions that may impact macronutrient absorption (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, Celiac's disease or gluten sensitivity, bariatric surgery or gastroparesis, short bowel, inflammatory bowel disease, etc…);
• Any use of antibiotics or antifungal, except topical antibiotics/antifungals within 3 months of study participation.
• Colonoscopy within 3 months of study participation.
• Regular (i.e., weekly or more frequent) use of over-the-counter medications (including antacids, laxatives, stool softeners, and antidiarrheals) unless approved by OMSO and study PI.
• Are habitually taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., Advil, aspirin), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) or immunosuppressants (e.g. Humira);
• Have an allergy or aversion (extreme dislike) to any of the test foods(e.g., cherry flavored beverages or bar). Allergy symptoms may include anaphylaxis, hives or eczema, tingling/itching in the mouth, dizziness or fainting, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat).
• Have donated blood within the past 8 weeks of the first test session or plan to donate blood during the study.
• Are not willing to abstain from tobacco products and vigorous exercise for at least 24 hours" before each trial and consume a low-polyphenol diet two days prior to each test session and on the day of the test session.