No abstract

Regular consumption of 300 ml of orange juice d−1 for 60 days altered the intestinal microbiota, increasing Akkermansia and Lactobacillus, while Ruminococcus decreased. These changes were inversely correlated with metabolic biomarkers in women.

Background The objective of the study is to evaluate the influence of serum vitamin D concentrations and smoking status in cardiac structure and function. Methods The participants of this study were healthy women smokers (n = 18, mean age 52.8 years), ex-smokers (n = 18, mean age 51.7 years), and never smokers (n = 19, mean age 44.4 years). All participants underwent assessment of body composition, dietary intake, sun exposure frequency, vitamin D serum determination, and echocardiographic assessment. All data underwent statistical analysis. Results The three groups were classified as overweight. The group of ex-smokers showed significantly higher vitamin D serum concentrations. Smoker group showed a higher posterior wall thickness (PW), left ventricular mass, and left ventricular mass index (LVMI). We identified positive correlations between LVMI and smoking history, PW and vitamin D serum, and body mass index and time of smoking history. Multiple linear regressions showed positive association of smoking history and LVMI and PW, also that serum vitamin D has a positive association with PW. PW was associated with smoking history and serum vitamin D, showing a deleterious effect on the heart of both variables. Conclusions Smoking habit in adult women was associated with cardiac remodeling, and excess of vitamin D is associated with the action of smoking on cardiac variables. Thus, higher serum vitamin D values have a deleterious effect on the heart in this model.

AbstractOrange juice is a natural source of sugars, vitamins, minerals and flavanones and is associated with health benefits. In addition, in-vitro study suggested that orange juice could modulate intestinal microbiota. This study investigated the impact of habitual consumption of 100% pure orange juice (OJ) on the intestinal microbiota and metabolic outcomes in a controlled clinical trial. Ten women were on regular diet without OJ (OJ free-diet) for 30 days followed by regular diet supplemented with 300 ml of orange juice for 60 days (OJ-diet) and a 30-day washout period without OJ (Washout). Biochemical, anthropometric and dietary parameters were monitored and samples of blood, urine and feces were taken at the beginning and every 30 days. Urinary metabolites were identified by UHPLC and the microbiota composition was evaluated by RNAr 16S. Analysis of the biochemical variables at the end of OJ-diet showed a decrease in glucose (-6.5%), insulin (-33%) and, insulin resistance (-44%). There was also reduction of total cholesterol (-14%), LDL (-16%) and triglycerides (-30%). After Washout, all biochemical parameters returned to the initial values. No changes on body weight and body fat were observed during the experimental time. Intestinal bacteria Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillaceae increased with daily consumption of orange juice, and were negatively correlated with blood serum triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL-C, glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR, but positively correlated with HDL-C. In conclusion, daily consumption of orange juice did not influenced the body weight or body composition of healthy women, and showed a prebiotic effect on the intestinal microbiota, improving microbial colonization, and modulating the metabolic profile, by reducing glucose and lipids in the blood of young and healthy women. It is also suggested that, to obtain such benefits, orange juice should be consumed regularly and in moderate amounts along with a balanced diet.