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Supplementation with Mixed Fruit and Vegetable Juice Concentrates Increased Serum Antioxidants and Folate in Healthy Adults

Institute of Social Medicine, Department of Public Health, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, AUSTRIA (I.K., P.P., C.L., P.B., T.R., M.K., A.R.)
Natural Alternatives International Research Foundation, San Marcos, California (J.W.)
ANTOX Center, Munich, GERMANY (W.B.)

Address reprint requests to: Ingrid Kiefer, PhD, Institute of Social Medicine, Department of Public Health, Medical University Vienna, Rooseveltplatz 3, A-1090 Vienna, AUSTRIA. E-mail: ingrid.kiefer{at}meduniwien.ac.at

Objective: Epidemiological studies have shown that low plasma levels of antioxidant micronutrients, which are commonly found in fruit and vegetables, are associated with increased risk for diseases such as heart disease, cancer, metabolic disorders and the like. The aim of this study was to monitor the dietary habits of a group of healthy, middle-aged, men and women and to assess the effect of supplementation with a natural phytonutrient preparation from fruits and vegetables, on plasma levels of various antioxidant micronutrients and oxidative stress assessed by measuring 8-oxodGuo (8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine) in urine.

Methods: The study followed a double-blind randomized cross-over design involving 59 healthy men and women (40–60 years of age). The supplement or a placebo was given to two groups for a total period of 14 weeks (crossover week 7). Blood levels of ß-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and folate were measured at 0, 7 and 14 weeks. Fruit and vegetable consumption was monitored by means of a retrospective food frequency questionnaire at week 0, 7 and 14. Urinary 8-oxodGuo was also determined at these time points.

Results: Significant increases in blood nutrient levels after active supplementation were observed for ß-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and folate. Ranges measured, after supplementation, often fell into those associated with a reduced risk for disease. Our data suggests that, although generally health conscious, participants still fell short of the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables per day. No significant group changes were noted for 8-oxodGuo concentration in urine.

Conclusion: Supplementation with mixed fruit and vegetable juice concentrates effectively increased plasma levels of important antioxidant nutrients and folate.

Key words: antioxidant, phytonutrient, folate, fruit, vegetable

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