Clinical studies continue to highlight the heart, brain, liver and other health benefits that can come from incorporating anthocyanins into our daily diet. While there are more than 400 kinds of anthocyanins, some of the best natural sources are berries. However not all berries are equal when it comes to anthocyanin content. Bilberries and blackcurrants have amongst the highest concentrations of anthocyanins, particularly when they are grown in wild, cold coastal environments such as Scandinavia and New Zealand. However, most people around the world have an intake of anthocyanins of less than 40 mg per day¹, which is well below the 80 mg per day found to be an effective dose in a recent clinical trial.

Bilberries contain a mixture of 15 different types of anthocyanins, while blackcurrants have four. Anthocyanins known as Cyanidins such as C3G and Delphinidins such as D3G are most prominent in each type of berry, but at different concentrations. Human studies support a strong synergistic effect in combining a mix of anthocyanins such as C3G and D3G from a bilberry and blackcurrant mix. For example, research indicates such a combination may help to reduce the risk factors involved in the progression of atherosclerosis², which is a root cause of heart disease. Other studies² indicate that such an anthocyanin mix can also change platelet activity, thus reducing the risk of blood clots forming in overweight, obese or sedentary populations. One other recent study³ found that an 80 mg daily supplementation of anthocyanins in men and women aged between 35 and 70 indicated improvements in the inflammatory marker IL-6 that is known to be associated with heart health, as well as immune function.

In recognition that most consumers around the world are not able to consume handfuls of berries each day, Evonik has developed Healthberry® as a strong, stable powder extract with 30% guaranteed anthocyanins. Healthberry® is 100% derived from wild, high-quality bilberries and blackcurrants from Scandinavia and New Zealand where content for anthocyanin such as C3G and D3G is known to be especially concentrated. A proprietary production process is able to retain the full antioxidant potential of the component anthocyanins, with its constant, stable composition helping to overcome seasonal fluctuations or other supply challenges that can occur with other berry-based sources. More than 30 peer reviewed research articles have been published supporting the benefits of this anthocyanin mix.

Healthberry® is the ideal health ingredient in a powder extract form to help enhance the value of a range of functional foods and beverages. Options for the use of Healthberry® include energy or protein bars, food sprinkles and gummies. Other functional beverage choices to Healthberry® include effervescent tablets or capsules, small volume shots, tea capsules and as a concentrated, ready-to-mix powder in the cap of sports drinks.

Evonik also supplies this mix of anthocyanins in a high load capsule form known as MEDOX®. For more information about MEDOX, click here.

For more information about Healthberry® or to request a sample, contact Evonik at healthcare@evonik.com.