Functional properties, bioactivities and bioavailability of phytochemicals, especially anthocyanins, from processed foods

PROPOSAL: QLK1-1999-00124 ACRONYM Anthocyanin bioactivities
AREA: FP5 - QoL, 5/ 1:Food, Nutrition and Health 3 - Research into the role of food in promoting and sustaining health with respect to diet and nutrition …. Call number / date: 1a
PROJECT TYPE: Shared Cost EU CONTRIBUTION: 1,050,000
STARTING DATE: 01/02/00 DURATION: 36 months

Coordinator: Dr. M. Heinonen, University of Helsinki, Dept. Appl. Chem. Microbiol. Food, P.O, Box 27.00014, FIN -00014, Helsinki, Finland, Email: marina.heinonen@helsinki.fi

Project Description:
The project aims to investigate i) the functional properties of anthocyanins and anthocyanin-rich food ingredients and ii) the influence of anthocyanins on parameters related to the aetiology of cardiovascular disease in humans. Novel food processing techniques are used to produce anthocyanin-rich red berry juice for potential nutritional benefits. Anthocyanins, berry juice and berry juice processing by-products will be studied to provide basis for the development of anthocyanin-rich functional food recipes. Molecular mechanisms underlying the biological and physiological effects of anthocyanins are investigated in animal liver microsomes and cell lines. The bioavailability and biokinetics of anthocyanins are confirmed in animal models prior to a strictly controlled human intervention measuring a wide range of biomarkers. EXPECTED RESULTS Improved techniques to increase the phenolic content in red berry juice New biomarkers for important food components and their biological effects to be useful beyond the present project New anthocyanin-rich functional food recipes New insight into the biological and preventive actions of dietary anthocyanins in relation to heart disease APPLICATIONS Production of red-berry juices as a healthy alternative to red wine as a dietary protection against cardiovascular disease Optimum use of anthocyanins as natural food ingredients and food additives (colorants) with low systemic toxicity Development of anthocyanin-rich functional foods by utilising fruit and vegetable by-production

Project URL: http://honeybee.helsinki.fi/mmkem/ek/tutkimus/antho.html

Consortium:
Co-ordinator: Department: Department of Applied Chemistry and Microbiology Division of Food Chemistry Organisation: University of Helsinki Latokartanonkaari 11 PO Box 2 00014 HELSINKI FINLAND Participants Organisation: Universita degli Studi di Pavia Corso Strada Nuova 65 27100 PAVIA ITALY Organisation: Rowett Research Institute Greenburn Road AB21 9SB ABERDEEN UNITED KINGDOM Organisation: Christian-Albrechts Universitat Kiel Olshausenstrasse 40 24098 KIEL GERMANY Organisation: Danish Veterinary and Food Administration Moerkhoej Bygade 19 2860 SOEBORG DENMARK Organisation: Dr. Marcus GmbH Geesthachter Strasse 103 21494 GEESTHACHT GERMANY Department: Biocentrum Organisation: Technical University of Denmark DTU, blgd. 221 2800 LYNGBY DENMARK Organisation: The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences 10 Arrheniusplan 2C 750 07 UPPSALA SWEDEN


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