Combined berry extract and bromelain supplement improves blood pressure, endothelial function, and skeletal muscle oxygenation status in healthy young adults

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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is associated with the manifestation of increased levels of oxidative stress and inflammation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production may cause damage to the vasculature that can lead to diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension and atherosclerosis. Anthocyanins are the largest class of flavonoid that are found in vegetables and fruit. Therefore, the combination of anthocyanins and bromelain may be an ideal intervention for improving or maintaining cardiovascular health. We sought to examine the effects of this combination of powerful antioxidants within healthy young adults.

Young healthy adults (n=18) volunteered to participate in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to either the BE supplement group or the placebo control group. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study design with a 2-week washout period was used. Baseline measurement of height, weight, BMI, body composition, RHR and BP, endothelial function and a blood sample were obtained before and after BE or placebo intake.

There were significant group by time interactions for FMD, SBP, tissue saturation, and [HbO2] within and between groups. Following BE intake, FMD significantly increased (p

These results reveal for the first time that an anthocyanin-and-bromelain-rich antioxidant supplement leads to acute improvements in systolic blood pressure, endothelial function, total antioxidant capacity, and tissue oxygenation status during exercise. This supplement could be particularly helpful in aging or in those who may have vascular deficiencies.