This study is investigating the cognitive, vascular, and metabolic benefits of a vitamin- and mineral-enhanced haskap berry dietary supplement in healthy adults aged 50+.
Berries have previously shown benefits to health (physical and cognitive) due to their high content of certain natural plant-based compounds called polyphenols. Haskap berries are extremely rich in a type of purple-coloured polyphenol called anthocyanins. The berries have recently been designated a traditional food by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and are new to the UK market.
This project aims to investigate the immediate benefits (up to 2 hours after consumption) and longer-term benefits (following 4 weeks daily supplementation) of a vitamin- and mineral-enhanced haskap berry supplement made from freeze-dried, powdered haskap berries. We aim to determine any cognitive, metabolic, or cardiovascular effects over and above haskap powder alone or a placebo powder.
To participate you must meet the following criteria:
- Aged 50+
- Daily fruit and vegetable intake ≤ 4 portions per day
- Good understanding of the English language
Unfortunately, the following would make you ineligible to take part in this particular study:
- Diagnosis of any psychiatric, cardiometabolic or gastrointestinal disorders
- ADHD or dyslexia diagnosis
- Antibiotic use within 3 months of signing up
- Blood thinning or anticoagulant medication
- Unmedicated high blood-pressure
- Any food allergy or intolerance
- Smoking
- Regular consumption of more than the recommended units of alcohol per week
- Following a vegan or vegetarian diet
The study involves three visits to the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences at the University of Reading, over a five-week period. You will be asked to perform several cognitive and mood related tasks, have a glucose finger prick test, and take part in flow mediated dilation (FMD), which is a vascular measure taken from your arm using ultrasound. Measures will be repeated 2 hours after eating muesli and yoghurt containing the berry supplement, and again following 4 weeks of daily supplementation at home.
For more information please contact Lynne Bell (L.Bell@reading.ac.uk)