Systemic inflammatory load in humans is suppressed by consumption of two formulations of dried, encapsulated juice concentrate

Abstract

Chronic inflammation contributes to an increased risk for developing chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. A high "inflammatory load" is defined as elevated inflammation markers in blood or other tissues. We evaluated several markers of systemic inflammation from healthy adults and tested the hypothesis that two formulations of encapsulated fruit and vegetable juice powder concentrate with added berry powders (FVB) or without (FV) could impact markers of inflammatory load. Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled approach, 117 subjects were randomly assigned to receive placebo, FV, or FVB capsules. Blood was drawn at baseline and after 60 d of capsule consumption. We measured inflammatory markers (high sensitivity C-Reactive Protein, Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1, Macrophage Inflammatory Protein 1-β, and Regulated upon Activation, Normal T cell Expressed and Secreted), superoxide dismutase, and micronutrients (β-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E). Results showed Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1, Macrophage Inflammatory Protein 1-β, and RANTES levels were significantly reduced and superoxide dismutase and micronutrient levels were significantly increased in subjects consuming both FV and FVB, relative to placebo. Data suggest a potential health benefit by consuming either formulation of the encapsulated juice concentrates through their anti-inflammatory properties.

Health Effects of Mixed Fruit and Vegetable Concentrates: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Interventions

“…These studies examined a total of 1363 adults with observation periods ranging from 7 days to 24 months. Of the 18 trials, 12 (14 reports) were placebo-controlled [15][16][17][18][20][21][22]25,26,[29][30][31][32][33]. Of these, eight (10 reports) had a parallel design [15,17,21,22,26,[29][30][31][32][33], and the remainder were randomized crossover studies.…”

“…Of the 18 trials, 12 (14 reports) were placebo-controlled [15][16][17][18][20][21][22]25,26,[29][30][31][32][33]. Of these, eight (10 reports) had a parallel design [15,17,21,22,26,[29][30][31][32][33], and the remainder were randomized crossover studies. Thirteen trials contained only healthy participants, one (two reports) included healthy elderly patients [13,14], one study used overweight but otherwise healthy subjects [18], one included prehypertensive and hypertensive patients [27], one included healthy nonsmokers and light smokers [28], and one trial (two reports) used a combination of healthy and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive participants [23,24].…”

“…In all of the trials, subjects were instructed to follow their habitual ad libitum diets. However, only about half of the trials analyzed the dietary intake of the participants [16,17,[20][21][22][23][24][25][29][30][31]33].…”

An Encapsulated Fruit and Vegetable Juice Concentrate Increases Skin Microcirculation in Healthy Women

“…HPLC measurement showed an increase in ␤ -carotene and vitamin E serum levels ( table 3 ). In a study using a similar concentrate, plasma vitamin C levels increased as well as ␤ -carotene and vitamin E [19] . In the present study ␤ -cryptoxanthin increased in both groups.…”

“…These active ingredients provided ␤ -carotene (7.5 mg), vitamin E (46 mg), vitamin C (200 mg) and folic acid (400 g) per 4 capsules, i.e. the daily dose [19] . Small quantities of anticaking agents (calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, magnesium stearate, cellulose) and thickeners (citrus pectin, guar gum) are added manufacturing aids.…”