Effect of blueberry tea on lipid and antioxidant status in children with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: pilot study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine whether 6-month regular ingestion of blueberry tea could improve the lipids and oxidative biomarkers in children with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). Materials & methods: Pulverized blueberry tea brewed for 5 min (PBTB5; 32 mg/kg/day anthocyanins) was consumed for 6 months by ten patients with HeFH (group A) and results were compared with group B (ten patients with HeFH who did not receive PBTB5). Lipids, lipid peroxidation products and antioxidative status were measured at baseline, 1 and 3–6 months on PBTB5, and after a washout period (12 months). Results: After 1 month of treatment, there was no significant difference in the lipids, peroxidation and antioxidative status between groups. Reductions in total and LDL-cholesterol in group A were found after 3 (p < 0.05) and 6 months (p < 0.01). After 6 months of treatment, HDL-cholesterol of group A increased (48.78%; p < 0.01). There were significant increases in antioxidants and decreases in lipid peroxidation products of group A at the end of 6 months. At the end of the washout period the difference between group A and B lipids, lipid peroxidation and antioxidative status did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: PBTB5 had a positive effect on plasma lipid profiles and antioxidant status in children with HeFH when consumed daily and for a long time.

Keywords:

• blueberry
• children
• hypercholesterolemia