Aronia Berries for Heart Health

Daily supplementation with aronia melanocarpa (chokeberry) reduces blood pressure and cholesterol: a meta analysis of controlled clinical trials

“Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Dietary supplements, such as those rich in antioxidants, have the potential to improve markers of cardiovascular health, but little is known about the total effect of these supplements.” – from the study abstract

Dr. Jessie Cavanaugh's research team was commissioned by Artemis International to conduct a meta-analysis on the effects of supplementation with aronia berry products on markers of cardiovascular health. This analysis evaluated the effects of aronia melanocarpa (chokeberry) on blood pressure and total cholesterol. This analysis included 327 participants and also evaluated how factors such as age or aronia preparation type may impact the supplement’s efficacy.

The Study

“Daily supplementation with aronia melanocarpa (chokeberry) reduces blood pressure and cholesterol: a meta analysis of controlled clinical trials.“

Methodology

Meta-analysis is used when a drug or an ingredient has already been evaluated in controlled clinical trials and the existing body of evidence needs to be assessed. This can help resolve conflicts when bodies of evidence produce conflicting results and it can also provide clarity on how the effects of the substance differ among populations. This improves the overall body of evidence, providing greater precision on the total effects of a product and allows researchers to identify situations in which the substance may be more effective.

The purpose of this analysis is to identify the effect size of supplementation with aronia berry extracts and to evaluate how age may influence these effects.

Studies for this analysis were identified from the scientific literature and from unpublished works in 2019. To be included in the analysis, studies could be conducted anywhere in the world, but must have evaluated aronia berry’s effects on blood pressure or total cholesterol. Studies that used alternative outcome markers, such as BMI, were excluded.

Findings: Aronia for Heart Health

Aronia was found to have a powerful effect on cardiovascular related markers. Supplementation for 6-8 weeks with a high quality aronia-based product resulted in a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure, which is a leading indicator of risk of cardiovascular disease. Supplementation also reduced total cholesterol. These effects were particularly significant in adults over the age of 50, making aronia supplementation a valuable tool to fight one of the leading health risks in this age group.

Aronia supplementation is a valuable ingredient in any formulation which targets heart health, especially if the target population is above the age of 50. For best results, consistent, daily use is required for a minimum of 6-8 weeks. 

For More Information

The study was published in the journal Journal of Dietary Supplements in August 2020. doi: 10.1080/19390211.2020.1800887

Disclosures

This study was commissioned and funded by Artemis International, a leading supplier of dark berries.