Effect of New Zealand Blackcurrant on Blood Pressure, Cognitive Function and Functional Performance in Older Adults

Abstract

New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) can increase exercise performance in young adults, potentially by anthocyanin-induced cardiovascular function alterations and increased blood flow, however, effects upon blood pressure, functional exercise performance and cognitive function in older adults is unknown. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over design, 14 older adults (age: 69 ± 4 years, height: 172 ± 9 cm, body mass: 85 ± 12) ingested NZBC extract (600 mg·day⁻¹ CurraNZ™) or placebo (PL, 600 mg microcrystalline cellulose) for 7-days (7-day washout between conditions). On day-7, 2-hours following consumption of the capsules, resting blood pressure, cognitive function (Cambridge neuropsychological test automated battery) and 6-minute walk test performance and were measured. Intake of NZBC caused a decrease (p < 0.05) in systolic (PL: 136 ± 14; NZBC: 130 ± 12 mmHg) and diastolic (PL: 84 ± 11; NZBC 78 ± 6 mmHg) blood pressure. There was no effect on 6-minute walk performance or cognitive function variables. Future research should address optimization of intake and examine cardiovascular responses during exercise.

Keywords:

• Anthocyanins
• cognitive function
• functional performance
• New Zealand blackcurrant
• older adults

Acknowledgment

Supply of supplement (CurraNZ™) for this study was donated from Health Currancy Ltd (United Kingdom).

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.