title: Increased free malondialdehyde concentrations in smokers normalise with a mixed fruit and vegetable juice concentrate: a pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cigarette smoking, a cardiovascular risk factor leading to oxygen free radical formation, is involved in the development of serious pathological conditions. On the other hand, a healthy diet and adequate supplementation can help prevent many diseases. The aim of our study was to evaluate in healthy light smokers the effects of supplementation with mixed fruit and vegetable juice powder concentrate on homocysteine metabolism and oxidative status.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this pilot study, 32 healthy volunteers, 16 light smokers and 16 non-smokers, on twice daily supplementation were monitored at time zero and after 30 days. Plasma homocysteine, and serum vitamin B(12) and folate concentrations were measured by immunoenzymatic assays; reactive oxygen species, total antioxidant capacity and thiol groups by spectrophotometric methods; and total and free malondialdehyde concentrations by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with isotopic dilution.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Baseline free malondialdehyde concentrations were significantly higher in smokers than in non-smokers and normalised after 30-day supplementation. Baseline results for all the other parameters remained unchanged after supplementation, with no significant differences between smokers and non-smokers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is the first study showing a significant decrease in free malondialdehyde levels in light smokers after 1-month phytonutrient supplementation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Science, University of Milan, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli e Regina Elena, Fondazione IRCCS, Milan, Italy. fabrizia.bamonti@unimi.it
authors.forename: Fabrizia
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bamonti
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Novembrino
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ippolito
authors.forename: Enzo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Soresi
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ciani
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lonati
authors.forename: Elisabetta
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Scurati-Manzoni
authors.forename: Giuliana
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cighetti
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000032:analysis; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008315:Malondialdehyde / Q000097:blood*; D008875:Middle Aged; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D010865:Pilot Projects; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000097:blood; D012907:Smoking / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000628:therapy*; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds / Q000097:blood; D014675:Vegetables
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds; D006710:Homocysteine; D008315:Malondialdehyde