IN a new randomized controlled trial, daily anthocyanin supplementation significantly improved inflammation and cardiometabolic biomarkers in older adults at risk for dementia, a finding that may have implications for both brain and cardiovascular health. This 24-week double-blind placebo-controlled Phase II study involved 99 participants aged 60 to 80 who had either mild cognitive impairment or cardiometabolic disorders. They were randomized to receive either 320 mg/day of anthocyanins, a class of dietary flavonoids, or placebo.
The study evaluated changes in key inflammation and cardiovascular disease biomarkers, including IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and C-reactive protein (CRP), as well as lipid parameters like LDL and HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides.
At 24 weeks, those receiving anthocyanins showed statistically significant reductions in CRP (ƞp²=0.417; p=0.0001), LDL cholesterol (ƞp²=0.078; p=0.015), and cardiometabolic score (ƞp²=0.073; p=0.021), along with favorable changes in IL-6 (ƞp²=0.085; p=0.015) and IL-1β (ƞp²=0.058; p=0.037). A combined inflammatory score (Inflam z-score 5) also improved (ƞp²=0.059; p=0.004).
Importantly, moderation analysis revealed that baseline inflammation levels predicted the degree of CRP reduction, suggesting individuals with elevated inflammatory markers may benefit most from anthocyanin supplementation.
These findings support the growing body of evidence that anthocyanins, commonly found in berries and other deeply colored fruits, may offer cardiometabolic and anti-inflammatory benefits, particularly for aging individuals at higher risk for cognitive decline.
Reference:
Borda MG et al. Anthocyanin supplementation in adults at risk for dementia: a randomized controlled trial on its cardiometabolic and anti-inflammatory biomarker effects. Geroscience. 2025. doi: 10.1007/s11357-025-01669-8. [Online ahead of print].
