HDL-cholesterol-raising effect of orange juice in subjects with hypercholesterolemia.
BACKGROUND
Orange juice-a rich source of vitamin C, folate, and flavonoids such as hesperidin-induces hypocholesterolemic responses in animals.


OBJECTIVE
We determined whether orange juice beneficially altered blood lipids in subjects with moderate hypercholesterolemia.


METHODS
The sample consisted of 16 healthy men and 9 healthy women with elevated plasma total and LDL-cholesterol and normal plasma triacylglycerol concentrations. Participants incorporated 1, 2, or 3 cups (250 mL each) of orange juice sequentially into their diets, each dose over a period of 4 wk. This was followed by a 5-wk washout period. Plasma lipid, folate, homocyst(e)ine, and vitamin C (a compliance marker) concentrations were measured at baseline, after each treatment, and after the washout period.


RESULTS
Consumption of 750 mL but not of 250 or 500 mL orange juice daily increased HDL-cholesterol concentrations by 21% (P: < 0.001), triacylglycerol concentrations by 30% (from 1.56 +/- 0.72 to 2.03 +/- 0.91 mmol/L; P: < 0.02), and folate concentrations by 18% (P: < 0.01); decreased the LDL-HDL cholesterol ratio by 16% (P: < 0.005); and did not affect homocyst(e)ine concentrations. Plasma vitamin C concentrations increased significantly during each dietary period (2.1, 3.1, and 3.8 times, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
Orange juice (750 mL/d) improved blood lipid profiles in hypercholesterolemic subjects, confirming recommendations to consume >/=5-10 servings of fruit and vegetables daily.
Kurowska
E M
EM
Departments of Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada. kurowska@jukian.uwo.ca
Spence
J D
JD
Jordan
J
J
Wetmore
S
S
Freeman
D J
DJ
Piché
L A
LA
Serratore
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000097:blood; D001628:Beverages; D015992:Body Mass Index; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood*; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D002957:Citrus; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000097:blood; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D014280:Triglycerides; D006710:Homocysteine; D005492:Folic Acid; D001205:Ascorbic Acid