Delayed effect of blackcurrant consumption on sugar metabolism in healthy adults

This trial is aimed at assessing the delayed action of blackcurrant consumption on sugar metabolism and energy production. The trial is a parallel design consisting of two trial arms. This design was selected since the influence of blackcurrant on sugar metabolism is currently unknown; a parallel trial design will eliminate any potential problems from a cross-over design. In both trial arms, participants will be asked to fast for 12 hrs the night before and eat a set breakfast (One Square Meal Bar [Cookie Time Ltd.]) 2 hrs before the start of the trial. Participants will be randomised into 2 trial arms; arm 1 will consume a 200 mL drink containing fruit sugar (equivalent to the amount in the blackcurrant extract, i.e. for 2.2 g glucose, 2.6 g fructose, 0.36 g sucrose) diluted in water and then 3 hr later a 200 ml sugar drink containing 40 g sucrose diluted in water, and arm 2 will consume a 200 ml a blackcurrant drink (containing a whole blackcurrant extract equivalent to 3.2 mg polyphenolic compounds /Kg) diluted in water and then 3 hrs later a 200 ml sugar drink containing 40 g sucrose diluted in water. The blackcurrant extract was commercially sourced from Sujon Berries (New Zealand) and the sugars purchased from Healtheries (New Zealand) and dinks were prepared under New Zealand food safety requirements. The trial will take place in designated clinical facilitates within PFR and will be conducted by experience trial co-ordinators, who are also First Aider and trained phlebotomist. The trial co-ordinator will monitor the welfare of participants and ensure that they adhere to trial arm protocols. Participants will be randomised into one of the two arms. In both arms a small amount of blood (capillary samples) will be taken prior to the start of the trial, 3hrs after the consumption fruit sugar or blackcurrant drinks and at specific times over a 2 hr period; 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 & 120 mins after the sucrose drink..