Aim:
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 6 months of supplementationwith an encapsulated fruit and vegetable juice powder concentrate (FV) on symptoms of the common cold.
Methods:
In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical trial, 529 health care professionals (mainly nursing staff 18-65 years with a mean age of 39.9) with direct patient contact — a population considered to be at particular risk of exposure to the common cold — were recruited for the study. Half were assigned to take the encapsulated fruit and vegetable juice powder concentrate (Juice Plus+®; 2 capsules per day each of Fruit Blend and Vegetable Blend), while the other half received placebo capsules. Throughout the 6-month comparison period, which spanned cold and flu season, participants documented their symptoms every day (e.g. cough, nasal symptoms, throat symptoms, fever, headache, or body aches) and rated the intensity of each as none, light, moderate, or severe. The researchers allowed for an 8-week run-in phase before the 6-month comparison period.
Results:
During the 6-month comparison period, participants taking placebo pills reported having moderate to severe common cold symptoms an average of 9.5 days, while those taking FV counted 7.6 days. Additionally, participants in the supplementation group took common cold-related medications for fewer days than those in the placebo group (5.7 days versus 7.2), providing further evidence that their symptoms were not as severe.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, intake of an encapsulated fruit and vegetable juice powder concentrate was associated with fewer number of days with at least moderate common cold symptoms.
PubMed link: