Dose-Dependent Effects of Anthocyanins on Endothelial Function in Healthy Men

Anthocyanins are a subclass of (poly)phenols very abundant in berries and red grapes. Increasing evidence from human epidemiological and dietary intervention studies suggests that anthocyanins may have cardiovascular health benefits. A double blind randomized controlled crossover, dose-response study will be conducted in 10 young healthy men. On 6 different days, subjects will consume capsules containing 0, 80, 160, 240, 320 and 480 mg of purified anthocyanins with a one-week wash-out period. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and blood pressure will be measured at baseline and at 2 and 6 h after consumption. Blood samples will also be taken and quantification of plasma anthocyanin metabolites using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS will be performed. The aim is to investigate whether purified anthocyanins are able to increase FMD at 2h and 6h post consumption and whether these effects correlate with anthocyanin- derived phenolic acids quantified in the plasma.

Inclusion criteria

• Healthy men aged 18-45 years old
• Subjects are willing to maintain their normal eating/drinking habits and exercise habits to avoid changes in body weight over the duration of the study - subjects are able to understand the nature of the study
• able to give signed written informed consent
• signed written infomred consent form
• healthy male subjects (no clinical signs or symptoms of CVD.

Exclusion criteria

• cardiovascular disease, acute inflammation, cardiac arrhythmia, renal failure, heart failure (NYHA II-IV), diabetes mellitus, C-reactive protein > 0.5 mg/dL, malignant disease, hypotension (≤100 / 60 mm Hg)