Effects of Aronia Berries on Vascular Endothelial Function and the Gut Microbiota in Middle-Aged/Older Adults

Inclusion criteria

• Men and postmenopausal women (> 1 year from cessation of menstruation)
• Aged 45-75 years
• Baseline endothelial dysfunction (RHI ≤ 1.67)
• Hemoglobin A1C ≤ 6.4%
• Blood pressure < 129/80 mmHg
• Total cholesterol < 240 mg/dL
• LDL cholesterol < 190 mg/dL
• Triglycerides < 350 mg/dLhttps://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/template/Home.vm?uid=U00036MD&ts=50&sid=S0008GBU&cx=gvt3fw
• Body mass index ≥ 18.5 and < 30 kg/m2
• 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
• Are able to understand the nature of the study
• Able and willing to give signed written informed consent
• Signed informed consent form

Exclusion criteria

• Individuals taking antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, and/or hormone replacement medications
• Diagnosed hypertension, CVD, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cancer, kidney, liver, pancreatic disease
• Obese participants, defined as BMI superior or equal to 30
• Neuropathy, thrombosis, or past arm trauma or surgery
• > 3 days/wk vigorous exercise
• Participating in a weight loss program
• Weight change > 5% in the past 3 months
• Current smokers or history of smoking in the last 12 months
• Heavy drinkers (> 7 drinks/wk for women; >14 drinks/wk for men)
• Antibiotic use at any point during the study or two months prior to enrollment
• Allergies to aronia berries or other study materials
• Unwillingness to maintain normal diet and/or physical activity pattern, or to discontinue use of dietary supplements for the duration of the study
• Any reason or condition that in the judgment of the clinical investigator(s) may put the subject at unacceptable risk or that may preclude the subject from understanding or complying with the study's requirements