LB024 - GRAPES BIOACTIVES AND MARKERS OF CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW WITH COMPOSITIONAL INSIGHTS FROM A RED-FLESHED TABLE GRAPE VARIETY.

LB024

GRAPES BIOACTIVES AND MARKERS OF CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW WITH COMPOSITIONAL INSIGHTS FROM A RED-FLESHED TABLE GRAPE VARIETY.

E. J. Derbyshire^1,*

¹Nutritional Insight, Surrey, United Kingdom

Rationale: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) contributes to ≈19.4 million deaths globally.¹ There is evidence that certain dietary bioactives could have role(s) in cardiovascular (CV) health; however, the strength of evidence from grape- and other berry-derived sources requires synthesis.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted. Eligible studies included meta-analyses (MA), systematic reviews (SRs), and randomised controlled trials (RCTs), examining the effects of grapes, blueberries, and their bioactive constituents on CV outcomes. Compositional data² on polyphenols, anthocyanins, and stilbenes (including resveratrol) from a novel, red-fleshed table grape (red berry grape) variety were evaluated.

Results: Thirty-seven studies (17 MA/SRs and 20 RCTs) were evaluated. Grape- and blueberry-derived bioactives were associated with modest but consistent improvements in CV risk markers, particularly endothelial function. Effects were more evident in higher-quality trials and among metabolically at-risk populations. Red-fleshed table grape varieties were identified as concentrated sources of relevant bioactives (Table 1).

Table 1: Total polyphenol & anthocyanin levels in standard and red-fleshed table grapes (mg/100g free weight)

Conclusion: Evidence indicates that grape- and blueberry-derived bioactives contribute to improvements in CV risk markers, corroborating a potential role within dietary strategies for CVD risk reduction. These findings are consistent with recommendations to increase fruit intake, with potential added value from emphasising polyphenol-rich grape/berry varieties.

References: 1. Wang Y et al. (2024) Cureus 16(11):e74333 2. Bautista-Ortín AB et al. Foods 14(23):4035

Disclosure of Interest: E. Derbyshire Consultant for: Bloom Fresh International Limited. Research time was funded by Bloom Fresh International Limited. Bloom Fresh has bred red-fleshed table grapes which have been commercially available under the TM BoomBitesTM in the UK and Europe.