Bioavailability and Vascular Effects of Apple Polyphenols

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The main purpose of this study is to determine the oral bioavailability of flavanols (polyphenolic compounds) from apple granules and an apple extract delivered in a water based beverage at two different doses. We will also investigate the effects of apple flavanols on nitric oxide production.

Detailed Description
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This study is a randomized four phase crossover trial investigating the bioavailability of apple flavanols and the effects on nitric oxide products, a surrogate marker for changes in endothelial function. Each test phase will comprise a 3 day period of intervention which will be identical in nature (except for the test product consumed) and separated by a minimum of 1 week. On days 1-3 of each test phase volunteers will consume a low flavanol diet. After consumption of the test product on the morning of day 2, blood and urine samples will be collected at regular intervals for the next 24h.

Official Title
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Bioavailability and Vascular Effects of Apple Polyphenols

Conditions
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Healthy

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Apple extract delivering 70 mg epicatechin
* Other: Apple extract delivering 140 mg epicatechin
* Other: Apple granules delivering 70 mg epicatechin
* Other: Water delivering no epicatechin


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Men and women aged 45-70 years Exclusion Criteria: Smokers (or have quit smoking less than 1 year ago) Regular prescribed medication (excluding some eye and skin medication that is judged not to affect study outcome) Non-prescribed medication that may affect the study data, e.g. aspirin. The use of non prescribed medications will be assessed on an individual basis. Dietary supplements or herbal remedies which may affect the study data unless the volunteer is willing to discontinue them for 1 month prior to starting study. (Please note that some supplements may not affect the study and this will be assessed on an individual basis). Gastro-intestinal diseases (excluding hiatus hernia unless symptomatic or study intervention/procedure is contra-indicated). Diabetics Known cardiovascular disease Asthmatics (unless no medication taken for 1 year) Lactose Intolerance Pregnancy or have been pregnant within the last 12 months Parallel participation in another research project which involves dietary intervention Participation in another research project which has involved blood sampling within the last four months unless the total amount of combined blood from both studies does not exceed 470 mls. Has donated or intends to donate blood within 16 weeks prior to or during the study period. Depressed or elevated blood pressure measurements (<90/50 or 95/55 if symptomatic or >160/100) Any person related to or living with any member of the study team Results of the clinical screening which indicate or are judged by the HNU Medical Advisor to be indicative of a health problem which could compromise the well-being of the volunteer if they participated or which could affect the study data. Alcohol consumption > approximately 20 g alcohol/day (2.5 units/day) BMI <19.5 or > 35

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 45 Years
Maximum Age: 70 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Apple flavanols<br> | Other: Apple extract delivering 70 mg epicatechin<br>* Delivered as a flavoured water based beverage<br>Other: Apple extract delivering 140 mg epicatechin<br>* Delivered as a flavoured water based beverage<br>Other: Apple granules delivering 70 mg epicatechin<br>* Delivered as a puree<br>Other: Water delivering no epicatechin<br>* Delivered as flavoured water<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Area under the plasma pharmacokinetic curve for total epicatechin |  | 24 hours | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Additional measures of bioavailability: Plasma Cmax, Tmax, half life and urinary excretion |  | 24 hours | 
| Changes in levels of nitric Oxide metabolites as a surrogate measure of endothelial function after consumption of apple flavanols |  | 24 hours | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Dietary intervention, bioavailability, Healthy volunteers