Effect of New Zealand Blackcurrant on Blood Pressure, Cognitive Function and Functional Performance in Older Adults.

New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) can increase exercise performance in young adults, potentially by anthocyanin-induced cardiovascular function alterations and increased blood flow, however effects upon blood pressure, functional exercise performance and cognitive function in older adults is unknown. In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over design, 14 older adults (age: 69±4 years, height: 172±9 cm, body mass: 85±12) ingested NZBC extract (600 mg·day-1 CurraNZ™) or placebo (PL, 600 mg microcrystalline cellulose) for 7-days (7-day washout between conditions). On day-7, 2-hours following consumption of the capsules, resting blood pressure, cognitive function (Cambridge neuropsychological test automated battery) and 6-minute walk test performance and were measured. Intake of NZBC caused a decrease (P<0.05) in systolic (PL: 136±14; NZBC: 130±12 mmHg) and diastolic (PL: 84±11; NZBC 78±6 mmHg) blood pressure. There was no effect on 6-minute walk performance or cognitive function variables. Future research should address optimisation of intake and examine cardiovascular responses during exercise.