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Different berries and berry fractions have various but slightly positive effects on the associated variables of metabolic diseases on overweight and obese women

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 65, pages 394–401 (2011)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Background/Objectives:

Dietary habits have a major role in obesity, type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we compared the effects of sea buckthorn (SB) and its fractions, and bilberries (BBs) on associated variables of metabolic diseases on overweight and obese women.

Subjects/Methods:

In total, 110 female volunteers were recruited, and they followed four different berry diets (BB, SB, SB phenolic extract (SBe) and SB oil (SBo)) in a randomized order for 33–35 days. Each intervention was followed by a wash-out period of 30–39 days. Blood samples were drawn and physical measurements were performed after each period. Eighty volunteers completed the study.

Results:

There was statistically significant decrease in waist circumference after BB (Δ, −1.2 cm; P=0.041) and SB (Δ, −1.1 cm; P=0.008) periods and also a small decrease in weight after BB diet (Δ, −0.2 kg; P=0.028). Vascular cell adhesion molecule decreased after BB (Δ, −49.8 ng/ml; P=0.002) and SBo (Δ, −66.1 ng/ml; P=0.001) periods, and in intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) after SBe diet (Δ, −6.1 ng/ml; P=0.028).

Conclusions:

Based on the results, it can be stated that different berries and berry fractions have various but slightly positive effects on the associated variables of metabolic diseases.

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Acknowledgements

We are extremely grateful to the Finnish funding agency TEKES for funding this project and to our industrial partners (Satakunnan Tyrniseura (Satakunta Sea Buckthorn Society), Saarioinen Oy, Fazer Leipomot Oy, Aromtech Ltd, Kiantama Oy and Pakkasmarja Oy) for cooperation in product development and financial support. Also, we thank all the volunteers involved in the study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biochemistry and Food Chemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland

    H-M Lehtonen, J-P Suomela, R Tahvonen, B Yang & H Kallio

  2. MTT Agrifood Research Finland, Jokioinen, Finland

    R Tahvonen

  3. Medical Laboratory Technology, Turku University of Applied Sciences, Turku, Finland

    M Venojärvi

  4. Department of Medicine, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland

    J Viikari

Authors
  1. H-M Lehtonen
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  2. J-P Suomela
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  3. R Tahvonen
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  4. B Yang
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Correspondence to H-M Lehtonen.

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Lehtonen, HM., Suomela, JP., Tahvonen, R. et al. Different berries and berry fractions have various but slightly positive effects on the associated variables of metabolic diseases on overweight and obese women. Eur J Clin Nutr 65, 394–401 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2010.268

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2010.268

Keywords

  • adhesion molecules
  • metabolic syndrome
  • northern berries

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