Aim:
The aim of this study was to examine the effects of 2 formulations of an encapsulated juice powder concentrate on markers of systemic inflammation as well as concentrations of antioxidant micronutrients and the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD).
Methods:
In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 117 healthy participants were randomized to take either: 1. A fruit and vegetable juice powder concentrate (FV; Juice Plus+®), 2. A fruit, vegetable and berry juice powder concentrate (FVB; Juice Plus+®), or 3. Placebo capsules for 60 days. Blood samples were analyzed at baseline and at the end of the study to determine the level of: 1. Various pro-inflammatory biomarkers (hs-CRP, MCP-1, MIP-beta, and RANTES), 2. Antioxidant micronutrients (vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene), and 3. SOD.
Results:
In both supplementation groups, blood levels of 3 of the 4 key markers of inflammation measured (MCP-1, MIP-beta, and RANTES) were significantly reduced: MCP-1 decreased roughly 35%, MIP-beta decreased 16%, and RANTES decreased 21%. Additionally, levels of all 3 antioxidant micronutrients measured increased. Volunteers taking the juice powder supplements also showed increases in serum concentrations of SOD of 96% for the FV group and 103% for the FVB group.
Conclusion:
In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 117 healthy individuals, we found that a fruit and vegetable juice powder concentrate, either with or without additional berry concentrate, had the capacity to reduce pro-inflammatory biological markers, as well as induce the antioxidant enzyme, SOD.
PubMed link: