scholarly journals Effects of Bilberry Supplementation on Metabolic and Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (7) ◽  
pp. 1653
Author(s):  
Sze Wa Chan ◽  
Brian Tomlinson

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of interrelated conditions that is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Oxidative stress may impair normal physiological functions, leading to various illnesses. T2DM is considered to be associated with increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and dyslipidemia, which may play a significant role in the development of cardiovascular complications, cancer and vision loss through cataracts and retinopathy. While conventional therapies are a cornerstone for the management of the major risk factors of metabolic syndrome, increasing antioxidant defense by increasing intake of antioxidant-rich foods may improve long term prospects in CVD, obesity and T2DM. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) is one of the richest natural sources of anthocyanins which give berries their red/purple/blue coloration. Anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants and are reported to play an important role in the prevention of metabolic disease and CVD as well as cancer and other conditions. This review focuses on the potential effects of bilberry supplementation on metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors. Although there is evidence to support the use of bilberry supplementation as part of a healthy diet, the potential benefits from the use of bilberry supplementation in patients with T2DM or CVD needs to be clarified in large clinical trials.

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 952 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Tørris ◽  
Milada Cvancarova Småstuen ◽  
Marianne Molin

Non-communicable diseases (NSDs) are responsible for two-thirds of all deaths globally, whereas cardiovascular disease (CVD) alone counts for nearly half of them. To reduce the impact of CVD, targeting modifiable risk factors comprised in metabolic syndrome (e.g., waist circumference, lipid profile, blood pressure, and blood glucose) is of great importance. Beneficial effects of fish consumption on CVD has been revealed over the past decades, and some studies suggest that fish consumption may have a protective role in preventing metabolic syndrome. Fish contains a variety of nutrients that may contribute to health benefits. This review examines current recommendations for fish intake as a source of various nutrients (proteins, n-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, iodine, selenium, and taurine), and their effects on metabolic syndrome and the CVD risk factors. Fatty fish is recommended due to its high levels of n-3 fatty acids, however lean fish also contains nutrients that may be beneficial in the prevention of CVD.


1970 ◽  
Vol 19 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 243-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Feinleib ◽  
R. J. Havlik ◽  
P. O. Kwiterovich ◽  
J. Tillotson ◽  
R. J. Garrison

During the past two decades prospective epidemiologic studies have established the association between several risk factors and coronary heart disease. Elevations of serum cholesterol and blood pressure, obesity, lack of physical activity and cigarette smoking are among the factors which have been related to an increased risk of heart disease. We are now entering a period in which vigorous efforts will be made to modify these factors in order to prevent the occurrence of heart disease. An important part of this effort will be to determine to what extent these factors are genetically controlled and to what extent they can be modified by manipulation of the individual environment. Recognizing this need, the Field Epidemiological Research Section, National Heart Institute, NIH, has recently embarked on a study of cardiovascular disease risk factors in a large sample of adult male twins. The purpose of the present report is to describe the protocol and methods to be used and the importance of this study to current research in cardiovascular disease.


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