Aim:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 3 months of supplementation with 2 formulations of an encapsulated juice powder concentrate on various markers of oxidative stress in healthy heavy smokers.
Methods:
A total of 124 heavy smokers (average age 47 years), who had been smoking at least 20 cigarettes a day for at least 10 years, were enrolled in this placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Researchers randomly divided study participants into 3 groups, which were assigned to take either a fruit and vegetable juice powder concentrate (FV; Juice Plus+®), a fruit, vegetable and berry juice powder concentrate (FVB; Juice Plus+®), or placebo.
One hundred and one participants completed the study. Total cholesterol and various indicators of oxidative stress were measured in 75 compliant subjects (those who took greater than 95% of assigned capsules) during the 3-month supplementation period.
Results:
At baseline, most participants showed evidence of oxidative stress due to cigarette smoking. Because there was low compliance of the whole study population (about 80%), a subgroup analysis was performed on subjects who were greater than 95% compliant with the protocol. After the 3-month intervention period, total cholesterol decreased significantly compared to placebo in both supplementation groups. In addition, an oxidation index (calculated on the basis of serum hydroperoxides and total antioxidant capacity) improved significantly in both supplemented groups.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, administration of both formulations of encapsulated fruit and vegetable juice powder concentrates, with or without the added berry ingredients, provided a good source of bioavailable phytonutrients, resulting in positive metabolic modifications compared with baseline values and with the placebo group.
PubMed link:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21697538