title: An encapsulated fruit and vegetable juice concentrate increases skin microcirculation in healthy women.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Microcirculation in the dermis of the skin is important for nutrient delivery to this tissue. In this study, the effects of a micronutrient concentrate (Juice Plus+®; 'active group'), composed primarily of fruit and vegetable juice powder, on skin microcirculation and structure were compared to placebo.
  
  
  METHODS
  This 12-week study had a monocentric, double-blind placebo and randomized controlled design with two treatment groups consisting of 26 healthy middle-aged women each. The 'oxygen to see' device was used to evaluate microcirculation. Skin density and thickness were measured using ultrasound. Measurements for skin hydration (Corneometer®), transepidermal water loss and serum analysis for carotenoids and α-tocopherol were also performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  By 12 weeks, microcirculation of the superficial plexus increased by 39%. Furthermore, skin hydration increased by 9% while skin thickness increased by 6% and skin density by 16% in the active group. In the placebo group, microcirculation decreased, and a slight increase in skin density was observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ingestion of a fruit- and vegetable-based concentrate increases microcirculation of the skin at 12 weeks of intervention and positively affects skin hydration, density and thickness.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: De Spirt
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sies
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tronnier
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Heinrich
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000187:drug effects*; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014675:Vegetables; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D018977:Micronutrients; D002338:Carotenoids; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol