Orange juice improved lipid profile and blood lactate of overweight middle-aged women subjected to aerobic training.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated how consumption of orange juice associated with aerobic training affected serum lipids and physical characteristics of overweight, middle-aged women.


METHODS
The experimental group consisted of 13 women who consumed 500 mL/d of orange juice and did 1h aerobic training 3 times a week for 3 months. The control group consisted of another 13 women who did the same aerobic training program but did not consume orange juice.


RESULTS
At the end of the experiment, the control group lost an average of 15% of fat mass (P<0.05) and 2.5% of weight (P<0.05), whereas the experimental group lost 11% of fat mass and 1.2% of weight (P<0.05). Consumption of orange juice by the experimental group was associated with increased dietary intake of vitamin C and folate by 126% and 61% respectively. Serum LDL-C decreased 15% (P<0.05) and HDL-C increased 18% (P<0.05) in the experimental group, but no significant change was observed in the control group. Both groups improved the anaerobic threshold by 20% (P<0.05), but blood lactate concentration decreased 27% in the experimental group compared to the 17% control group, suggesting that experimental group has less muscle fatigue and better response to training.


CONCLUSIONS
The consumption of 500 mL/d of orange juice associated with aerobic training in overweight women decreased cardiovascular disease risk by reducing LDL-C levels and increasing HDL-C levels. This association also decreased blood lactate concentration and increased anaerobic threshold, showing some improvement in the physical performance.
Aptekmann
Nancy Preising
NP
Food and Nutrition Department, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil. naptekmann@yahoo.com.br
Cesar
Thais Borges
TB
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000187:drug effects*; D000328:Adult; D015308:Anaerobic Threshold / Q000187:drug effects; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects*; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D032084:Citrus sinensis; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood*; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D008875:Middle Aged; D018763:Muscle Fatigue / Q000187:drug effects; D050177:Overweight / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008517:Phytotherapy; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D008055:Lipids; D028321:Plant Preparations; D019344:Lactic Acid; D005492:Folic Acid; D001205:Ascorbic Acid