The Influence of Tart Cherry (Prunus cerasus, cv Montmorency) Concentrate Supplementation for 3 Months on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Middle-Aged Adults: A Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Tart Montmorency cherries (MC) have been shown to be rich in anthocyanins and other phytochemicals known to have anti-inflammatory properties and influence pathways that might improve cardiometabolic health. However, there is limited evidence for the longer-term use of tart cherries on these indices. The aim of the current study was to investigate the influence of MC concentrate on cardiometabolic health indices following a 3-month supplementation period. Methods: Fifty middle-aged adults (34 males and 16 females; mean ± SD age: 48 ± 6 years and BMI: 27.6 ± 3.7 kg/m2) completed a randomised, placebo-controlled parallel study in which they either received MC or an isocaloric placebo. Participants drank 30 mL of their allocated treatment twice per day for 3 months. Vascular function (blood pressure [BP], heart rate [HR], pulse wave velocity and analysis [PWV/A], and flow mediated dilation [FMD]) as well as indices of metabolic health (insulin, glucose, lipid profiles, and high sensitivity C reactive protein) were measured following an overnight fast before and after the 3 months. Results: No effect of the intervention between the groups was observed for vascular function or metabolic health variables following the intervention (p > 0.05). However, MC concentrate was shown to be safe and well-tolerated and, importantly, did not have any deleterious effects on these outcomes. In conclusion, MC has no influence on cardiometabolic indices in middle-aged adults.

Thirty Days of Montmorency Tart Cherry Supplementation Has No Effect on Gut Microbiome Composition, Inflammation, or Glycemic Control in Healthy Adults

“…This data is in line with the work by Lear ( 25 ) who found a decrease in insulin sensitivity (decreased Matsuda index), with an increase in insulin and no decrease in blood glucose in those supplementing with MTC juice. Additionally, Chai et al ( 28 ) found an increase in blood glucose following 12 weeks of MTC concentrate ingestion, while Kimble et al ( 52 ) found no impact of 12 weeks MTC concentrate ingestion on blood glucose levels. Interestingly, a seven day intervention in patients with metabolic syndrome found a significant decline in blood glucose and an increase in insulin ( 53 ), which suggests in the short-term, supplementation may improve insulin sensitivity, but this does not appear to translate to long-term benefits.…”

Effects of Montmorency Tart Cherry and Blueberry Juice on Cardiometabolic Outcomes in Healthy Individuals: Protocol for a 3-Arm Placebo Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Cardiometabolic health and other variables, as described in detail below, will be assessed at baseline and after 20 days (post-intervention). In agreement with previous trials of cardiometabolic health, the primary outcome measure will be the between-group difference in systolic blood pressure from baseline to post-intervention [ 27 ]. Secondary outcome measures will be between-group differences in anthropometric, energy expenditure and substrate oxidation (during rest and physical activity), haematological, blood pressure/resting heart rate, psychological wellbeing and sleep efficacy indices.…”

“…After the conclusion of their baseline data collection session, participants will be provided with either Montmorency tart cherry, blueberry or placebo concentrate. Participants will be required to consume 30 mL of supplement diluted in 100 mL of water twice daily: once in the morning and again in the evening [ 27 ]. All supplementations will be kept refrigerated throughout.…”

“…However, the findings from parallel trials investigating the effects of anthocyanin rich fruit supplementation on cardiometabolic outcomes have yielded equivocal findings. Some studies exploring the effects of tart cherry juice supplementation have shown no effect on cardiometabolic indices of blood pressure, triglycerides, insulin tolerance or cholesterol [ 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ] and some have revealed improvements in systolic blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol [ 28 , 29 ]. Studies exploring the efficacy of other anthocyanin rich supplements present a similarly equivocal picture, with some demonstrating positive effects on cardiometabolic outcomes [ 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 ] and some showing no such effects [ 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 ].…”

Anthocyanin-Rich Supplementation: Emerging Evidence of Strong Potential for Sport and Exercise Nutrition

“…Studies with anthocyanin intake with implications for athletes have not had the intake duration as is common for clinical studies [e.g., 3 months tart cherry: ( 44 ); 6 months blueberry: ( 45 )]. For normobaric hypoxia and fed state conditions ( 28 , 29 ), future studies are needed to examine the effects of intake duration and higher doses of anthocyanins on exercise performance.…”