Dietary intake of anthocyanins improves arterial stiffness, but not endothelial function, in volunteers with excess weight: A randomized clinical trial

Excess body weight has been associated with endothelial dysfunction and increased arterial stiffness. Foods rich in polyphenols and anthocyanins such as açaí‐juçara (Euterpe edulis Martius) fruit may have protective vascular effects. Thus, we examined the effect of dietary intake of anthocyanins (açaí‐juçara fruit) on endothelial function (flow‐mediated dilation [FMD]) and arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity [PWV]) in individuals with excess body weight. Fifty‐five individuals with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 were randomized into non‐anthocyanin (N‐ATH, n = 25) or anthocyanin (ATH, n = 30) intake groups. A 12‐week individualized diet plan (20% reduction in total energy intake) was prescribed and included daily intake of açaí‐juçara 200 g (anthocyanins 293.6 mg) in the ATH diet plan. We evaluated anthropometric and biochemical parameters, FMD, PWV, and peripheral vascular resistance (PVR). A GEE (Bonferroni post‐hoc) was used (p ≤ 0.05). No change in FMD was observed. However, PWV showed a reduction from baseline in the ATH (p = 0.002) and vs. N‐ATH (p = 0.036). Both groups showed reduced peripheral vascular resistance (N‐ATH, p = 0.005; ATH, p = 0.040) with no significant differences between them. In conclusion, dietary intake of anthocyanins proved effective in protecting against arterial stiffness (by PWV) in individuals with excess weight. PVR was reduced in both diet groups regardless of dietary intake of anthocyanins.