When Americans think of berries, typically antioxidants also spring to mind. This is because stakeholders have done a wonderful job over the years establishing the association between berries—such as blueberries—and their antioxidant health and wellness benefits. Who would have thought that part of the anti-aging “Fountain of Youth” that has captivated peoples’ imaginations might have been growing on shrubs in our backyards this entire time?

In Praise of Antioxidants
By now, most of us know that antioxidants are molecules that neutralize free radicals, a byproduct of normal cell function. Antioxidant activity as a health benefit is mostly associated with anti-aging—or better yet, “healthy aging” claims—but it is also an integral part of well-balanced health and disease prevention across nearly every system in the body.

On the plus side, the body possesses its own antioxidant enzymes and mechanisms to offset free radicals resulting from normal day-to-day metabolic processes. In a world without near-constant exposure to environmental pollutants and contaminants, that might be enough to sustain a long, healthy life.

The reality, however, is that we are constantly exposed to factors, both within and outside of our control, that create an onslaught of highly reactive free radicals, throwing off the balance. These not only disrupt cells, but also contribute to premature aging, inflammatory diseases, and numerous chronic disease states. Luckily, nature gave us a wonderful tool to help offset the excess of free radicals in our bodies: berries.

The Superpowers of Berries
Before scientists had even identified the active constituents, it was inherently understood that colorful foods, including the deep red-purple-blue-black hues of berries, were healthy. Now research has identified numerous active compounds that contribute to the antioxidant capacity of different berries. Berries are packed with essential macronutrients, micronutrients, and the newest category being recognized as an essential promotor of health: phytonutrients.

These berry phytonutrients can be delivered in a variety of ingredient formats, for a variety of product types. With their versatility, widespread acceptance, and scientific validation, antioxidant-rich berry ingredients are a formulator’s dream.

Facts About Flavonoids
In berries, antioxidants are largely contributed by polyphenol phytonutrients called flavonoids. There are currently over 8,000 flavonoids that have been identified in nature, with more still being discovered.

There are different categories of flavonoid compounds, each classified by different chemical structures, including: anthocyanidins; flavan-3-ols; flavones; flavonols; flavonones; and isoflavones.

Numerous compounds within these categories of dietary flavonoids have been studied and demonstrate specific benefits on human health.

While darkly pigmented berries are potent sources of many different types of flavonoids, including flavan-3-ols such as proanthocyanidins (PACs) and flavonols such as quercetin, perhaps the most well-known category associated with berries are the anthocyanins (anthocyanidins with one or more sugar moieties are called anthocyanins).

Anthocyanins are the red-purple color pigments that give berries their characteristic hue and resulting natural colorant properties. These anthocyanins have remarkable antioxidant potential, ranking higher than many other fruits and vegetables. The darker the berry, the higher the anthocyanin content, and therefore, the higher the antioxidant capacity. Black elderberry and aronia berry top the list of natural antioxidant powerhouses.

Recently, flavonoids have received a lot of attention due to a newly published study of more than 77,000 adults examining the link between long-term flavonoid intake and memory. Over a 20-year span, researchers found that people who ate more flavonoid-rich foods over time (like berries) were less likely to experience decline of certain cognitive functions later in life.¹

Functionality Explained
Each berry has its own unique anthocyanin “fingerprint” that serves as a means of species identification, and contributes to the studied and observed health benefits. Scientists continue to explore the mechanisms of action that might make certain anthocyanins or their metabolites more effective for a certain outcome than others.

For instance, berries as an entire category have demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity and healthy-aging benefits. However, studies have shown that the specific anthocyanins in European black elderberry, Sambucus nigra, are particularly suited to combat influenza viral replication.² In a similar vein, the unique anthocyanins in black currant, Ribes nigrum, play a role in the clinically studied vision benefits for tired, screen-weary eyes.^3,4

Another key category of flavonoids—especially for cranberry—is flavan-3-ols. The specific oligomeric proanthocyanidins (PACs) found in cranberry have been extensively studied with regard to bacterial anti-adherence activity and urinary tract infections.

The Role of Gut Microbiota
While studies have generally demonstrated the ability of anthocyanins to reduce oxidative stress through their reactivity and direct scavenging of free radicals, the functional efficacy differs from one anthocyanin to another. Other observed health benefits of anthocyanins cannot be entirely explained by direct effects, as the relative bioavailability of intact anthocyanin molecules is quite low. Therefore, attention has turned to metabolites of the parent molecules that have gone through digestion and interacted with the gut microbiota. These anthocyanin derivatives are more bioavailable and believed to influence signaling pathways in the body.

Experimental evidence suggests that gut dysbiosis may be both a cause and a consequence of increased levels of reactive oxygen species. A healthy gut microbiota can be supported by the prebiotic and antioxidant activity of berry polyphenols, and in turn, the gut microbes metabolize active compounds into the smaller derivative compounds. In the end, it comes down to balance.

Formulating with Berry Ingredients
Adding berry ingredients to a food, beverage, dietary supplement, or novel delivery system is by and large an easy sell for consumers, many of whom already recognize berries as antioxidant powerhouses that contribute to their overall health. Their versatility, desirable flavor profiles, bold colors, and scientific substantiation—combined with berries’ long-standing history of use—make them a perfect fit for many product applications.

Mainstream awareness of particular studied health benefits associated with different berries, such as tart cherry aiding muscle recovery and aronia supporting healthy blood flow and blood pressure, is on the rise.^5,6

Berry ingredients themselves are multifunctional. They can offer antioxidant benefits, prebiotic benefits, as well as specific, targeted health benefits. But there is also great opportunity for innovation with blends—both berry blends as well as blends with other ingredients—as a way to capitalize on complementary benefits and help consumers streamline their supplement regimens. For example, berry blends can target different angles of immune health, or blends with aronia and grape seed could make a powerful combo for cardiovascular health.

Possibilities abound.

Berry phytonutrients can be delivered in a variety of ingredient formats ranging from standardized extracts to fruit/juice powders, targeted functional blends for supplements, and well-rounded flavonoid blends for functional foods/beverages.

Decision Made
Given the facts, deciding to incorporate berry ingredients into a formula isn’t difficult—but knowing which ingredients to use can be tricky. Bear these tips in mind for navigating the complex, ever-growing market.

Focus on your purpose. For example, standardized extracts allow for consistent and concentrated delivery of active compounds, such as anthocyanins, to target particular health benefits. They are often a better choice than basic concentrates or dried powders.

Do your research. Due diligence around both the product and the manufacturer is a must, so you understand exactly what you are buying in terms of manufacturing processes, equivalencies, sustainability, and substantiation. 

Know your source. Chain of custody is important to feel confident that authentic raw materials are being used to make the ingredients. Also, care must be taken to produce berry ingredients in a way that retains complementary compounds, in order to capitalize on the best potential synergies.

Establish true partnerships. Work with suppliers who specialize in berries so they can assist with product development questions along the way.

Bet Big on Berries
Scientific studies have clearly shown that the antioxidant compounds in berries—including anthocyanins—can effectively impact overall health by modulating imbalances in inflammation and oxidative stress.⁷ Berry actives continue to be a hot research topic, to better understand what fuels their widespread health benefits. But further findings will only serve to underscore what has already been proven: bodies live better on berries.

1. Yeh, TS., et al. (2021). Long-term dietary flavonoid intake and subjective cognitive decline in US men and women. Neurology. 97(10):e1041-e1056.
2. Swaminathan, K., et al. (2013). Binding of a natural anthocyanin inhibitor to influenza neuraminidase by mass spectrometry. Anal Bioanal Chem. 405(20):6563-72.
3. Nakaishi, H. et al. (2000). Effects of black current anthocyanoside intake on dark adaptation and VDT work-induced transient refractive alteration in healthy humans. Altern. Med Rev. 5(6):553-62.
4. Hawkins, J. (2022). CurrantCraft® black currant extract promotes visual health by reducing double vision and blurred vision in women with full time exposure to digital screens: a randomized, double blinded, placebo controlled clinical trial. Pending publication.
5. Howatson, G., et al. (2010). Influence of tart cherry juice on indices of recovery following marathon running. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 20(6):843-52.
6. Hawkins, J., et al. (2021). Daily supplementation with aronia melanocarpa (chokeberry) reduces blood pressure and cholesterol: a meta analysis of controlled clinical trials. Journal of Dietary Supplements. 18(5):517-530.
7. Mattioli, R., et al. (2020). Anthocyanins: a comprehensive review of their chemical properties and health effects on cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Molecules. 25(17): 3809.