Background:
Serum levels of certain antioxidant nutrients are inversely correlated with BMI.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of taking a nutritional product composed primarily of dehydrated juice powder concentrates from mixed fruits and vegetables (FV) on blood levels of two antioxidant nutrients in a mostly overweight population. Furthermore, once supplementation stopped, depletion rates of these antioxidant micronutrients were compared to the individuals’ body mass index (BMI).
Methods:
Ninety-two healthy, non-smoking, overweight individuals (24 men and 68 women), with a mean age of 48.8 years and an average BMI of 27.1 ± 4.9, participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Participants were divided into 2 groups. For the first 28 days, Group 1 took the encapsulated juice powder concentrate (Juice Plus+®; two capsules per day each of Fruit and Vegetable Blends, in two divided doses, with meals), while Group 2 took the placebo. For the next 28 days, the regimen switched: Group 1 took the placebo, while Group 2 took the FV supplement. Blood samples were collected 7 days before the study’s start and on day 0 to establish baseline values, then again at 14,28, 35, 42, 49, and 56 days for both groups.
Results:
Compared to placebo, volunteers taking the fruit and vegetable juice powder concentrate experienced significant increases in both antioxidant micronutrients. When participants discontinued FV, concentrations of alpha-tocopherol dropped back to pre-treatment levels within 2 weeks. Beta-carotene nearly dropped back to pre-treatment levels after 4 weeks wash-out. Beta-carotene levels in individuals with higher BMIs showed a significant lower magnitude of change compared to those people with lower BMIs.
Conclusion:
Supplementation with an encapsulated fruit and vegetable juice powder concentrate significantly increased serum levels of β-carotene and α-tocopherol.... For β-carotene, the magnitude of uptake was inversely correlated with BMI and the depletion rate was extended in subjects with the highest BMI and greatest adipose stores.
PubMed link:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19391032