Wine Berry
Also known as: Wine Berry, Rubus phoenicolasius, lingonberry, red grape berry, anthocyanin-rich berry, Vaccinium vitis-idaea
Overview
Wine berry supplements are derived from berries rich in anthocyanins and other polyphenols, such as red grapes, raspberries, and lingonberries. These compounds are responsible for the deep red/purple color of the fruits and are linked to significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Primarily, wine berry supplements are utilized for their cardiovascular health benefits, including support for blood pressure regulation, improvement of endothelial function, and potential cognitive enhancement. The key bioactive components are anthocyanins (ANCs) and ellagitannins (ETs), which are potent polyphenols. Research on these berry supplements is moderately to highly mature, with multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses supporting their efficacy. The available evidence, including systematic reviews, indicates a favorable safety profile and clinically relevant effects, particularly in cardiovascular health.
Benefits
Wine berry supplements offer several evidence-based benefits, primarily in cardiovascular health. They have been shown to significantly reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure across healthy, at-risk, and cardiovascular disease populations, with statistically significant reductions (p < 0.05). Furthermore, these supplements improve endothelial function, as evidenced by a mean increase of approximately +0.92% in flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in healthy individuals (p = 0.049). Modest but statistically significant reductions in waist circumference (mean decrease ~1.72 cm, p = 0.064) and total cholesterol (mean reduction ~0.15 mmol/L, p = 0.003 in healthy; SMD −0.24, p = 0.042 in disease) have also been observed. Beyond cardiovascular effects, there is supporting evidence for potential cognitive benefits, including a reduced risk of cognitive impairment with daily intake of grape-derived products (OR ~0.61 to 0.70, p < 0.05), particularly noted in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) populations. These benefits are observed in healthy adults, individuals at cardiovascular risk, and patients with diagnosed cardiovascular disease, with most RCTs showing effects within 4 to 12 weeks.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for wine berry supplements involves their rich content of anthocyanins and polyphenols, which exert potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds modulate nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, leading to vasodilation and improved blood flow. They also inhibit LDL oxidation, a key step in atherosclerosis development, and enhance overall endothelial function. The interaction primarily occurs within the cardiovascular system, affecting blood vessels and endothelial cells. Additionally, these compounds influence metabolic regulation, particularly lipid metabolism, and may interact with the central nervous system to support cognitive function. Key molecular targets include endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), inflammatory cytokines, and pathways involved in lipid peroxidation. Polyphenols from wine berries are metabolized into various phenolic acids and urolithins, which are detectable in plasma and urine, indicating their systemic bioavailability.
Side effects
Wine berry supplements are generally recognized as safe, with no major adverse effects consistently reported in clinical trials. Common side effects (occurring in >5% of users) have not been documented. Similarly, uncommon (1-5%) and rare (<1%) side effects have not been reported. There are no well-documented drug interactions; however, caution is advised with anticoagulants due to the potential, though limited, evidence of polyphenol effects on platelet aggregation. No established contraindications exist, but individuals with known allergies to berries should exercise caution. Specific safety data for pregnant or lactating women are limited, so use in these populations should be approached with caution. While elderly populations may benefit from potential cognitive effects, specific safety considerations for this group beyond general health status are not highlighted.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for wine berry supplements varies across studies, but anthocyanin doses typically range from 50 to 320 mg per day in clinical trials. For instance, some studies used the equivalent of 22 grams of freeze-dried blueberry powder. Based on meta-analyses showing cardiovascular benefits, an optimal dosage range is approximately 100–300 mg of anthocyanins daily. A maximum safe dose has not been clearly established, but doses up to 320 mg of anthocyanins per day have been used in RCTs without reported adverse effects. Supplementation should be taken daily; the timing relative to meals is not considered critical but may influence absorption. Recommendations include using freeze-dried powders, extracts standardized for anthocyanin content, or consuming whole berries. Bioavailability can be enhanced by gut microbiota metabolism, and co-consumption with food may also affect absorption. No specific cofactors are required for efficacy.
FAQs
Is wine berry supplementation safe?
Yes, current evidence indicates a good safety profile for wine berry supplements, with no major side effects consistently reported in clinical trials.
How long does it take to see benefits?
Cardiovascular benefits from wine berry supplementation are typically observed within 4 to 12 weeks of consistent use.
Can wine berry supplements improve cognition?
Evidence suggests potential protective effects against cognitive decline, particularly in individuals with mild cognitive impairment, but more randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm this.
Are the effects due to alcohol in wine?
No, the benefits are attributed to the polyphenols found in berries and grapes, and are independent of any alcohol content.
Is fresh berry consumption equivalent to supplements?
Fresh berries provide similar beneficial polyphenols, but supplements offer standardized doses and greater convenience for consistent intake.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5877555/ – This meta-analysis of 128 RCTs found that anthocyanin-rich berry products significantly reduced blood pressure, improved endothelial function, and lowered cholesterol across diverse populations. Despite some heterogeneity and risk of bias in included studies, it provides strong evidence for cardiovascular benefits.
- https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jafc.3c01142 – This systematic review and RCT investigated the effects of raspberry intake on plasma polyphenol metabolites and endothelial function. It found that increased plasma polyphenol metabolites correlated with improvements in endothelial function, supporting the bioavailability and efficacy of berry polyphenols.
- https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4455&context=theses – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on the impact of anthocyanin-rich berry supplementation on hypertensive outcomes. It concluded that such supplementation effectively lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure and improves nitric oxide and flow-mediated dilation, despite some limitations regarding sample size and long-term data.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11267986/ – This systematic review, including RCTs and cohort data, found an association between grape and berry intake and a reduced risk of cognitive impairment. While observational data cannot confirm causality, the adjusted odds ratios suggest a protective effect, warranting further research.
Supplements Containing Wine Berry
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