Supplementation with mixed fruit and vegetable juice concentrates increased serum antioxidants and folate in healthy adults.
OBJECTIVE
Epidemiological studies have shown that low plasma levels of antioxidant micronutrients, which are commonly found in fruit and vegetables, are associated with increased risk for diseases such as heart disease, cancer, metabolic disorders and the like. The aim of this study was to monitor the dietary habits of a group of healthy, middle-aged, men and women and to assess the effect of supplementation with a natural phytonutrient preparation from fruits and vegetables, on plasma levels of various antioxidant micronutrients and oxidative stress assessed by measuring 8-oxodGuo (8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine) in urine.


METHODS
The study followed a double-blind randomized cross-over design involving 59 healthy men and women (40-60 years of age). The supplement or a placebo was given to two groups for a total period of 14 weeks (crossover week 7). Blood levels of beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and folate were measured at 0, 7 and 14 weeks. Fruit and vegetable consumption was monitored by means of a retrospective food frequency questionnaire at week 0, 7 and 14. Urinary 8-oxodGuo was also determined at these time points.


RESULTS
Significant increases in blood nutrient levels after active supplementation were observed for beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and folate. Ranges measured, after supplementation, often fell into those associated with a reduced risk for disease. Our data suggests that, although generally health conscious, participants still fell short of the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables per day. No significant group changes were noted for 8-oxodGuo concentration in urine.


CONCLUSIONS
Supplementation with mixed fruit and vegetable juice concentrates effectively increased plasma levels of important antioxidant nutrients and folate.
Kiefer
Ingrid
I
Institute of Social Medicine, Department of Public Health, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria. ingrid.kiefer@meduniwien.ac.at
Prock
Peter
P
Lawrence
Catherine
C
Wise
John
J
Bieger
Wilfried
W
Bayer
Peter
P
Rathmanner
Theres
T
Kunze
Michael
M
Rieder
Anita
A
D000080242:8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism*; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000097:blood; D001317:Austria; D002214:Capsules / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003849:Deoxyguanosine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000652:urine; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000097:blood* / Q000187:drug effects; D005519:Food Preservation; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D012016:Reference Values; D012643:Selenium / Q000097:blood; D014675:Vegetables; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000097:blood; D019207:beta Carotene / Q000097:blood
D000975:Antioxidants; D002214:Capsules; D019207:beta Carotene; D014810:Vitamin E; D000080242:8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine; D005492:Folic Acid; D003849:Deoxyguanosine; D012643:Selenium; D001205:Ascorbic Acid