Short-Term Supplementation with 100% Bilberry Products and Its Effects on Body Composition and Lipid Profile in Overweight/Obese Women

TL;DR

This study found that bilberry products may improve lipid profiles in overweight/obese women, despite no changes in body weight or blood pressure.

Contribution

The study demonstrates that bilberry products can favorably alter LDL subfractions and HDL-C in overweight/obese women.

Findings

Bilberry juice and fibre reduced LDL-C and increased HDL-C in overweight/obese women.

Bilberry juice significantly reduced atherogenic small dense LDL subfractions.

Total cholesterol increased due to elevated HDL-C overshadowing reduced LDL-C.

Abstract

Introduction: Overweight and obesity are major public health concerns, often leading to increased cardiovascular risk. Methods: This eight-week interventional study examined whether regular consumption of two natural bilberry products could improve body composition and lipid profiles in overweight/obese women. A total of 30 participants (aged 50–60 years) were assigned to consume either 125 mL/day of 100% bilberry juice or 10 g/day of 100% bilberry fibre, while maintaining their habitual diets and lifestyles. Results: Although no significant changes were found in anthropometric parameters or blood pressure in either group, both interventions reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Surprisingly, total cholesterol (TC) levels rose in the bilberry juice group (from 6.41 ± 1.23 mmol/L to 6.94 ± 1.30 mmol/L (p < 0.001)), and in the fibre group (from 6.06 ± 1.39 mmol/L to 6.43 ± 1.05 mmol/L (p = 0.046)), likely due to elevated HDL-C (p < 0.001) overshadowing the drop in LDL-C (p < 0.05). Triglyceride (TG) levels did not change significantly and were still within the reference range. Conclusions: Notably, the bilberry juice group experienced a significant reduction in atherogenic small dense LDL (sdLDL) subfractions, suggesting a favourable shift in cardiovascular risk factors. These findings highlight the potential of bilberry-based products as a supportive strategy for improving lipid profiles in overweight/obese women.

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