Inflammatory and Metabolic Responses to Long-term Dietary Supplementation With Anthocyanin-rich Blend

This study will investigate the capacity of an anthocyanin-rich blend (ACRB) dietary supplement to improve the alterations in lipid and glucose homeostasis triggered by consumption of a high-fat meal. Given the impact of Western style diets and obesity on the development of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other pathologies, this study has major public health implications.

In particular, this study will investigate the beneficial effects of long-term (8 weeks) supplementation with ACRB on fasting and postprandial levels of plasma triglycerides, as well as other parameters of lipid and glucose homeostasis and inflammation. Postprandial changes will be evaluated after consumption of a high-fat meal.

Subjects will receive either a: i) placebo (control),or ii) ACRB product for 8 weeks. At the beginning and at the end of the 8-week period, subjects will be submitted to a metabolic challenge consisting of consuming a high-fat meal after receiving the study product (placebo, ACRB). The high-fat meal will consist of English muffin bread, sausage, egg and cheese, obtained from US market with carotenoid-free palm oil added to bring the total dietary fat to the desired level. The total weight of the high-fat meal will be 320 g with 70.5 g of fat (29.8 g of saturated fat), 270 mg of cholesterol, 65 g carbohydrate, 5.2 g sugar, and 33 g protein. The total energy content of the high-fat meal will be 1,026 Kcal with a total of 62% energy originated from fat, 25% from carbohydrates and 13% from protein. Blood will be taken by venipuncture before (baseline, 0 h) and 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 5 h after consumption of both the high-fat meal and the study product. Plasma will be collected and chylomicrons and peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs) will be isolated. Blood pressure and skin carotenoid content will be measured. Subjects will be also asked to collect feces before starting and at the end of the 8 week period.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Subject is healthy and, in the opinion of the investigator, free of any medical conditions that might affect study measurements.
2. Male or female.
3. Age between 18 - 40 years inclusive.
4. BMI between 21 - 29.9 kg/m2.
5. Female subject of childbearing potential has a negative urine pregnancy test result and agrees to use a medically approved method of birth control. Acceptable methods of birth control include: hormonal contraceptives such as oral contraceptives, hormone birth control patch (Ortho Evra), vaginal contraceptive ring (NuvaRing), injectable contraceptives (Depo-Provera, Lunelle), or hormone implant (Norplant System); double-barrier methods; non-hormonal intrauterine devices; vasectomy of partner; and non-heterosexual lifestyles.
6. Subject agrees to discontinue the use of pre- and/or probiotic and/or polyphenol supplements from 30 days prior to the screening visit and throughout the study.
7. Subject agrees to consume less than 1/2 cup/day of foods containing anthocyanins (such as blueberries, blackberries, bilberries, cherries, grapes, grape juice, pomegranate, raspberries, huckleberries, strawberries) and no more than 1 glass/day of red wine, 3 cups/day of tea or coffee, or 10 g/day of dark chocolate from 30 days prior to the screening visit and throughout the study.
8. No known allergies to study products or components (bilberries, black currants, rice).
9. Subject is willing and able to completely consume high-fat meal and assigned study products within 15 min.
10. Subject is willing to consume a low fat/low flavonoid dinner the evening before visits 2, 3 and 5.
11. Subject has received a complete COVID-19 vaccine and is at least 6 weeks post-vaccine at the screening visit as verified by shot record or similar documentation.
12. Subject has given voluntary, written, informed consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Age \< 18 or \> 40 years.
2. BMI \< 21 or \> 29.9 kg/m2.
3. Vegan, Vegetarian, or other dietary restrictions that would not allow the subject to consume the high-fat meal.
4. Current consumption of special diets (e.g. Atkins, keto, paleo, etc.).
5. Current participation or enrollment in another pharmaceutical, weight-loss or nutritional clinical study within the last 30 days. Device trials are exempted.
6. Regular participation in endurance exercise activities (e.g. marathon running, triathlons).
7. Uncontrolled hypertension defined as diastolic blood pressure ≥ 95 mmHg and/or systolic blood pressure ≥ 160 mmHg.
8. Fasting blood triglycerides \> 150 mg/dL.
9. Plasma amount of triglycerides accumulated in 5 h \< 170 or \> 700 mg/dL x 5 h after high-fat meal consumption at screening visit.
10. Self-reported Type 2 Diabetes
11. Fasting blood glucose \< 50 mg/dL or \> 100 mg/dL.
12. Hemoglobin A1c levels ≥ 5.7%.
13. Current smoker or use of tobacco products within the last 180 days.
14. Binge drinking (alcohol intake ≥ 5 alcoholic drinks for males or ≥ 4 alcoholic drinks for females on the same occasion, i.e. at the same time or within a couple of hours of each other).
15. Substance abuse or dependence within the last 60 days.
16. Daily use of anti-inflammatory medications including NSAIDs and aspirin within the last 30 days.
17. Use of laxative medications or other products that promote colon cleansing within the last 30 days.
18. History of restricted diets or use of herbal supplements or medications that interfere with insulin metabolism within the last 30 days.
19. History of stroke, hepatic, kidney, thyroid disease or cancer.
20. History of immune related disorders or Raynaud's disease.
21. Current clinically significant depression, anxiety or other psychiatric condition.
22. History of malabsorption or GI tract disorders.
23. History of GI surgeries (e.g. lap band, gastric bypass, etc.).
24. Diarrhea or oral antibiotic intake within the last 30 days.
25. Weight change (\> 5%) within the last 30 days.
26. History of eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia, or muscle dysmorphia.
27. Allergy or sensitivity to the study products or components of the high-fat meal.
28. Subject has not received a complete COVID-19 vaccine or is less than 6 weeks post-vaccine at the screening visit.
29. Any other condition which in the Investigator's opinion might adversely affect the subject's ability to complete the study or its measurements or which might pose significant risk to the subject.