Efficacy of Juice Powder Concentrates on Redox State in Heavy Smokers

Abstract

Smoking can contribute to human pathogenesis through the production of reactive oxygen species, and also by weakening the antioxidant system. To study the efficacy of supplementation with dehydrated concentrated of fruit and vegetable juice powder (FVJ) and the same plus berry (FVJ+), on the oxidative balance, 61 healthy heavy smokers (35 males, age 40–60y; 20 cigarettes/day or more for at least 10 y) were randomized into 3 groups: A (placebo, n=19), B (FVJ, n=21), C (FVJ+, n=21). They were supplemented for 12 weeks and underwent blood sampling at baseline (T0), and at end of supplementation (T1), for plasma and blood thiols HPLC analysis. No differences between groups’ aminothiol concentrations were found at T0. Total homocysteine (Hcy) decreased significantly in all compartments both in group A and B (plasma: p<0.001 for A and B; blood: p=0.027 A vs C, and p=0.018 B vs C), as well as the reduced Hcy (plasma: p=0.005 A vs C; blood: p=0.005 A vs C, and p<0.001 B vs C). Only group B showed a significant decrease of total blood glutathione (GSH) compared to group C (p=0.027). Supplementation with FVJ effectively improved Hcy metabolism, and concomitantly folate levels. Also FVJ+ supplementation was effective in improving GSH cycle.