Aronia berry polyphenol consumption reduces plasma total and LDL cholesterol in former smokers without lowering biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: a randomized controlled trial

Former smokers are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. We hypothesized that dietary aronia polyphenols would reduce biomarkers of cardiovascular disease risk, inflammation, and oxidative stress in former smokers. We also determined the extent these effects were associated with polyphenol bioavailability. A 12-week, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 49 healthy adult former smokers (n=24/placebo, n=25/aronia) to evaluate if daily consumption of 500 mg aronia extract modulated plasma lipids, blood pressure, biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress, and lipid transport genes of peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
Source: Nutrition Research - Category: Nutrition Authors: Source Type: research