Acute Effects of Tart Cherry on Uric Acid and Biomarkers of CVD Risk in Healthy Individuals

This study aims to provide evidence as to whether consumption of tart cherry juice can reduce the risk of gout and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in an acute context. The proposed study is a 2-way cross-over, randomised, placebo-controlled trial and aims to answer the following research questions: 1. What effect does a single 30mL serving of tart cherry concentrate have on serum uric acid and urinary excretion of uric acid in healthy individuals, when compared with water? 2. What effect does a single 30mL serving of tart cherry concentrate have on markers of cardiovascular disease risk and oxidative stress in healthy individuals, when compared with water? By measuring acute changes in serum urate, fractional urinary urate excretion, inflammatory markers, oxidative stress markers and CVD risk markers (namely central and brachial blood pressure, and arterial stiffness), it will highlight possible mechanisms through which tart cherry may reduce risk of gout and/or CVD.