Grant: Operating Grant

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain as one of the leading causes of death among Canadians. Preliminary experimental results from two human studies conducted recently in our laboratory have revealed the potential of two dietary components, canola oil containing higher DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid and barley derived high molecular weight beta-glucan in managing risk factors in people at high risk of CVD. Research Objective: To develop a novel hedonically acceptable healthy supplement beverage named COFFE (Canola Oil- Fish and Fiber Enhanced) containing, the most effective components including omega-3 fatty acid enriched canola oil and dietary fibre aiming at the management of CVD risk factors in people at high risk. Design: The smoothies will be developed in the metabolic kitchen at Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals (RCCFN) by incorporating canola oil-DHA and barley derived high molecular weight beta-glucan into the beverage. Sensory evaluation will be carried out to determine the acceptability of foods developed. A human study will be conducted by recruiting 35 participants to investigate the efficacy of these two food products individually and in combination. Participants will receive the background diet with smoothies in a random order including a) placebo control, b) canola oil-DHA, c) barley beta-glucan or d) combination of canola oil-DHA and barley beta-glucan. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, blood cholesterol, inflammatory status, changes in body composition, blood glucose response, satiety etc. will be evaluated at beginning and end of each phase. The 10 year CVD risk score will be calculated for each subject during each phase. Significance: The proposed study will lead to the innovation of a novel food product, which may result in the improvement of overall cardiovascular health of Canadians. In addition, it may also increase the international marketability of two major Canadian crops; barley and canola.