Blueberries Improve Endothelial Function in Postmenopausal Women With Above-Normal Blood Pressure via Reductions in Oxidative Stress

Abstract

Objectives

Research suggests blueberries and their (poly)phenols may improve endothelial dysfunction, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of consuming 22 g/day for 12 weeks of freeze-dried highbush blueberry powder on endothelial function and other measures of cardiovascular health, oxidative stress, and circulating (poly)phenol metabolites in postmenopausal women with above-normal blood pressure.

Methods

We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm trial in estrogen-deficient postmenopausal women aged 45–65 years with elevated blood pressure or stage 1-HTN. Endothelial function was assessed as brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and normalized to individual shear rate area under the curve (FMD/SR _AUC) to control for inter-individual variability in reactive hyperemia-induced shear stress. To assess whether improvements in FMD were mediated by reduced oxidative stress, FMD was assessed before and after intravenous infusion of a supra-physiologic dose of ascorbic acid. Blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and plasma (poly)phenol metabolites were also assessed.

Results

A total of 43 women completed the trial ( n = 32 for endothelial function). Compliance in the Blueberry and Placebo groups were 93% and 91%, respectively. Mean total plasma (poly)phenol metabolite concentrations were increased at 4 (250,053 nmol/L, P < 0.05) and 8 (303,053 nmol/L, P < 0.05) weeks in the Blueberry group compared to baseline (125,798 nmol/L) with a strong trend at 12 weeks (227,971 nmol/L, P < 0.05), and no changes in Placebo. Blood pressure and arterial stiffness were unchanged with both treatments. At 12 weeks, FMD/SR _AUC was increased by 96% from baseline ( P < 0.05) in the Blueberry group but unchanged in Placebo, and changes in FMD/SR _AUC from baseline to 12 weeks were higher ( P < 0.05) than Placebo. The response in FMD/SR _AUC to ascorbic acid infusion was lower ( P < 0.05) at 12 weeks compared to baseline in the Blueberry group but not Placebo.

Conclusions

These findings suggest blueberries improve endothelial function, and is mediated, in part, by reduced oxidative stress in postmenopausal women with above-normal blood pressure, a high-risk population for developing CVD.

Funding Sources

US Highbush Blueberry Council and USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.