Effects of Wild Blueberries on Heart Health in Older Adults
Antihypertensive and Vascular-Protective Effects of Wild Blueberries in Middle-Aged/Older Men and Postmenopausal Women.
This study is testing if wild blueberry powder can help improve heart health in older adults with high blood pressure.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase1; Phase2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 58 (estimated) |
| Ages | 45 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | Colorado State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Fort Collins, Colorado) |
| Trial ID | NCT04530916 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the impact of wild blueberry powder on cardiovascular health in middle-aged and older men and postmenopausal women with elevated blood pressure or stage 1 hypertension. The study aims to improve vascular endothelial function and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are key contributors to cardiovascular disease. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either blueberry powder or a placebo, and their cardiovascular health will be monitored throughout the trial. The research seeks to establish whether the bioactive compounds in blueberries can enhance nitric oxide bioavailability and mitigate hypertension.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are men and postmenopausal women aged 45-70 with elevated blood pressure or stage 1 hypertension.
Not a fit: Patients with well-controlled blood pressure, significant cardiovascular disease, or those on multiple antihypertensive medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a natural dietary intervention to improve cardiovascular health and reduce hypertension in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with dietary interventions using fruits like blueberries for cardiovascular health, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Men and postmenopausal women * Aged 45-70 years * Elevated blood pressure or stage 1-Hypertension * Ability to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Have had a menstrual cycle within the past year * Blood Pressure \< 120 (systolic BP) or ≥ 140/90 mm Hg * Reactive hyperemia index \> 3.00% * Taking \> 1 antihypertensive medication, taking 1 antihypertensive medication more than 1 time per day, and/or taking the antihypertensive medication for \< 3 months * Diagnosed cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or gastrointestinal, kidney, liver, lung, and/or pancreatic disease * Triglycerides \> 350 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) ≥ 190 mg/dL, hemoglobin A1c ≥ 6.5%, and/or taking a lipid-lowering or glucose-lowering medication * Testosterone or estrogen replacement therapy use 6 months prior to study start * Weight change ≥ 3 kg in the past 3 months, actively trying to lose weight, or unwilling to remain weight stable throughout the study * Current smokers or history of smoking in the past 12 months * Binge and/or heavy drinker (\>3 drinks on any given occasion and/or \>7 drinks/week for women, and \>4 drinks on any given occasion and/or \>14 drinks/week for men) * Body mass index \< 18.5 or \> 40 kg/m2 * Antibiotic therapy within past two months * Allergies or contraindication to study treatments or procedures
Where this trial is running
Fort Collins, Colorado
- Food and Nutrition Clinical Research Laboratory — Fort Collins, Colorado, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Sarah A Johnson, PhD, RDN
- Email: sarah.johnson@colostate.edu
- Phone: 970-491-3807
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.