Exploring the absorption of Anthocyanins from high pigment potatoes

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are the largest non-cereal crop and the fourth
most produced staple food crop in the world (ZHANG, Fen et al. 2017). In
addition to the high content of carbohydrates, protein composition and dietary
fibre, potatoes are also rich in phytonutrients like vitamin C, vitamin B,
folate and minerals, such as potassium, magnesium, and iron (Kolasa 1993).
Coloured potatoes contain secondary metabolites such as anthocyanins and
carotenoids, which are important bioactives (Lachman and Hamouz 2005, Ezekiel,
Singh et al. 2013). Diets rich in such compounds have been associated with a
lower incidence of atherosclerotic heart disease, certain cancers, macular
degeneration and severity of cateracts (Brown 2005). Pigmented potatoes could
fit therefore in a healthy lifestyle. Pigmented potatoes contain higher levels
of Lutein and Zeaxanthin (yellow/red color) or anthocyanins (purple color),
however limited evidence is available on the bioavailability of these to the
human body.

To explore the absorption of anthocyanins and to determine the different
metabolites in urine and blood plasma, originating from anthocyanins in high
pigment potatoes in humans.

Randomized controlled cross-over study

Test meals consisting of:
1. 500 gram high pigment potato mash (rich in anthocyans) with High Oleic
Sunflower Oil (HOSO)
2. 500 gram white potato mash with HOSO oil (negative control)
3. Only water (blank)
Each participant serves as their own control and will receive each of these
test meals in randomized order, with one week in between the different test
meals

Estimation of burden on study participants:
For this study, participants are expected 3 whole test days at the research
location. A test meal is offered every test day.
During a test day, 3 venepunctures will be done to collect 9 ml of blood (27 ml
in total during the study). Furthermore, the complete urine will be collected
during the study day (9 hours). Three days prior to the test day participants
are asked to adhere to dietary restrictions, in which foods high in
Anthocyanins should be avoided. Participants will be asked to write down all
foods they eat in a food diary.

Potatoes are a widely consumed food crop. The rare complications of
venepuncture including bleeding, bruising and phlebitis, these will be
explained to the subjects. The study physician will be available any time, if
medical judgment or care should be required. In conclusion, the induced health
risk for the subjects related to these study can be assumed to be minimal.