Abstract
Background and ObjectiveDehydrated fruit and vegetable concentrates provide an accessible form of phytonutrient supplementation that may offer cardioprotective effects. This study assessed the effects of two blends of encapsulated juice powder concentrates (with and without added berry powders) on endothelial function in persons with metabolic syndrome, a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.MethodsRandomized, double blind, placebo controlled crossover clinical trial with three treatment arms. 64 adults with metabolic syndrome were enrolled and received 8-week sequences of each blend of the concentrates and placebo. The primary outcome measure was change in endothelial function (assessed as flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery) 2 hr after consuming a 75 g glucose load, after 8-weeks of daily consumption (sustained) or 2 hr after consumption of a single dose (acute). Secondary outcome measures included plasma glucose, serum insulin, serum lipids, and body weight.ResultsNo significant between-group differences in endothelial function with daily treatment for 8 weeks were seen. No other significant treatment effects were discerned in glucose, insulin, lipids, and weight.ConclusionEncapsulated fruit and vegetable juice powder concentrates did not alter insulin or glucose measures in this sample of adults with metabolic syndrome.Trial Registrationclinicaltrials.gov NCT01224743
Highlights
Background and ObjectiveDehydrated fruit and vegetable concentrates provide an accessible form of phytonutrient supplementation that may offer cardioprotective effects
Among non-pharmacologic approaches to cardiovascular disease prevention, regular consumption of fruit and vegetables demonstrates a dose-response effect in reducing risk for coronary heart disease [1,2]
Green leafy vegetables and foods high in vitamin C content appear to have the strongest relationship to cardiac risk reduction [1]
Summary
Dehydrated fruit and vegetable concentrates provide an accessible form of phytonutrient supplementation that may offer cardioprotective effects. Phytonutrients in fruits and vegetables, including flavonoids [4,5] may have specific cardioprotective effects partially mediated through favorable effects on endothelial function [6]. Despite multiple public health measures designed to increase fruit and vegetable consumption [7,8], population intake levels are suboptimal [9,10]. Barriers to widespread increases in fruit and vegetable intake include cost and lack of access in medically underserved areas [7]. Dehydrated fruit and vegetable juice concentrates, available in capsule form, provide an accessible form of phytonutrient supplementation that may provide similar cardioprotective effects
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