Anthocyanins, a subclass of flavonoids, are plant pigments that provide the rich color of many plants, fruits, and flowers. Health benefits of anthocyanins have been widely reported in the research literature, particularly for disease conditions associated with oxidative stress, such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Emerging evidence suggests that anthocyanins may also modulate gut microbiota, which can impact a wide variety of health conditions. Maqui berries (Aristotelia chilensis), indigenous to Chile, have one of the highest concentrations of anthocyanins in the plant world; moreover, the dominant anthocyanin in maqui berries is delphinidin. Delphinidin is more bioavailable than most flavonoids, with intact molecules absorbed in appreciable amounts in less than an hour after consumption. Systemic effects of delphinidin include reduced inflammation due to downregulation of NF-kB, the transcription factor that initiates the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA], a component of omega-3 fatty acid concentrates, also has anti-inflammatory properties. There is much empirical evidence demonstrating beneficial effects of EPA supplementation, linked mainly to reductions in inflammation. It has been demonstrated the dietary supplementation with EPA-rich marine oil concentrations reduces cytokine levels up to 15%.
The purpose of this trial is to determine the effect of maqui extract plus omega-3 fatty acids compared to a placebo for reducing inflammatory cytokine levels in older, obese adults.