Background & Aim:

Vitamins, carotenoids and polyphenols are important for skin health. Skin metabolism, function, texture, and structure can be improved with a better supply of these nutrients and oxygen circulation through the bloodstream. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a fruit and vegetable juice powder concentrate (FV) on skin microcirculation and structure compared to placebo. 

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Methods:

In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study, 52 healthy women, aged 40 to 65, with normal to dry skin, took either 4 capsules of the fruit and vegetable juice powder concentrate (Juice Plus+®) or identical placebo capsules daily for 12 weeks. Microcirculation in the skin was measured at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks of supplementation, as were skin hydration, skin density, skin thickness, and blood levels of carotenoids and vitamin E (as alpha tocopherol). 

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Results:

After 12 weeks, FV increased microcirculation at 1 mm depth by 39% compared to baseline. By contrast, in the placebo group, microcirculation decreased 31%. While blood flow was not significantly changed in the supplementation group at 8 mm depth, it decreased 25% in the placebo group. Both between-group comparisons were statistically significant at both depths.  

In addition, FV increased skin hydration by 9%, skin thickness by 6%, and skin density by 16% at 12 weeks compared to baseline, whereas in the placebo group skin hydration and skin thickness showed no change, and there was a slight increase in skin density. FV also significantly increased blood levels of beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol in the treatment group, while the placebo group experienced no change.  

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Conclusion:

In conclusion, the present study shows that intake of a fruit- and vegetable-based concentrate increases skin microcirculation and improves skin texture and structure compared to placebo.

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PubMed link:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21822034/