Apple Juice Consumption Research Articles

Effects of regular consumption of vitamin C-rich or polyphenol-rich apple juice on cardiometabolic markers in healthy adults: a randomized crossover trial

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of the consumption of two cloudy apple juices with different polyphenol and vitamin C contents on antioxidant status, cardiometabolic and inflammation markers in healthy young adults. Twenty subjects, aged 21-29 years, completed a randomized crossover study. At each 4-week intervention period, the volunteers randomly consumed two glasses (2 × 250 mL/day) of either a vitamin C-rich apple juice (VCR) (60 mg/L vitamin C and 510 mg catechin equivalent/L) or a polyphenol-rich (PR) juice (22 mg/L vitamin C and 993 mg catechin equivalent/L). Blood and urine samples were collected throughout the study, and markers of antioxidant status, glucose metabolism, lipid profile and inflammation were measured. The comparison of the post-intervention minus pre-intervention change revealed differential results in HOMA index, total cholesterol, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 (P < 0.05) across juices. During the VCR period, plasma antioxidant activity (FRAP) increased (P = 0.031), while ICAM-1 and total cholesterol showed a trend to decrease (P = 0.060 and P = 0.094, respectively). During the PR period, plasma insulin and HOMA increased, and total glutathione decreased (P < 0.05). A joint consumption of apple juice natural antioxidants such as vitamin C and polyphenols might provide mild favorable effects on cardiometabolic markers, as compared to apple polyphenols alone.

Survey of patulin in apple juice concentrates in Shaanxi (China) and its dietary intake

This study surveyed the patulin level in the apple juice concentrates from Shaanxi province for four consecutive processing seasons, and evaluated the dietary exposure to this mycotoxin through apple juice. A total of 1987 apple juice concentrate samples were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode-array detector, and only 4 samples in 2007–2008 processing season contained patulin above 50 μg/kg, the current regulatory limit in apple juice. The incidence of patulin contamination varied significantly from 96.7% to 100% (P < 0.05) by processing season, and the patulin level among the four processing seasons varied significantly with the median level from 6.30 to 8.90 μg/kg (P < 0.05, Kruskal–Wallis test). The highest evaluated patulin intake based on the apple juice consumption from the World Health Organization's Global Environment Monitoring System/Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment Programme (GEMS/Food) was 1.04 ng/kg body weight (bw)/day in cluster diet F. And the patulin intakes for apple juice consumers among adults, children and babies were estimated to be 28.1, 67.5 and 110 ng/kg bw/day. All of the above values were well below the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake proposed by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives.

Qualitative Microbiological Risk Assessment of Unpasteurized Fruit Juice and Cider

Until recent decades, unpasteurized fruit juice and cider have been considered non-hazardous with respect to microbiological pathogens due to their acidic nature. However, in light of the many global foodborne illness outbreaks associated with these products, it is apparent that certain bacterial, viral and parasitic pathogens can survive these acidic conditions and remain infectious. Specifically, outbreaks of human illness have been attributed to infection with Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Trypanosoma cruzi, and hepatitis A, and have been associated with the consumption of apple juice or cider, orange juice and various other types of unpasteurized juices. The most likely mechanisms by which juice, and the fruit it is processed from, becomes contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms are through direct contact with animal or human faeces, or indirect contact with contaminated water, soil, processing equipment, or infected food handlers. This risk assessment reviews foodborne outbreaks linked to unpasteurized fruit juice and cider, and evaluates the evidence for effectiveness of measures to control pathogens in these products.

Moderate effects of apple juice consumption on obesity-related markers in obese men: impact of diet–gene interaction on body fat content

The effect of polyphenol-rich cloudy apple juice (CloA) consumption on plasma parameters related to the obesity phenotype and potential effects of interactions between CloA and allelic variants in obesity candidate genes were assessed in obese men. In this controlled, randomized, and parallel study, n = 68, non-smoking, non-diabetic men with a BMI ≥27 kg/m(2) received 750 mL/day CloA (802.5 mg polyphenols) or 750 mL/day control beverage (CB, isocaloric equivalent to CloA) for 4 weeks. Further, study participants were genotyped for single-nucleotide polymorphisms in PPARγ (rs1801282), UCP3 (rs1800849), IL-6 (rs1800795), FABP2 (rs1799883), INSIG2 (rs7566605), and PGC1 (rs8192678) genes. At the beginning and at the end of intervention plasma lipids, distinct adipokines and cytokines as well as anthropometric parameters were determined. CloA compared to CB had no significant effect on plasma lipids, plasma adipokine and cytokine levels, BMI, and waist circumference. However, CloA consumption significantly reduced percent body fat compared to CB (∆ % body fat: CloA: -1.0 ± 1.3 vs. CB: -0.2 ± 0.9, p < 0.05). The IL-6-174 G/C polymorphism showed an interaction with body fat reduction induced by CloA. Solely in C/C, but not in G/C or G/G variants, a significant reduction in body fat after 4 weeks of CloA intervention was detectable. The observed diet-gene interaction might be a first indication for the impact of individual genetic background on CloA-mediated bioactivity on obesity-associated comorbidities.

Impact of apple and grape juice consumption on the antioxidant status in healthy subjects

It is reported that consumption of antioxidant-rich foods significantly increased plasma total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in humans. Also, it is proved that the antioxidants from plant foods improve the body's antioxidant defence by acting additively and synergistically. As a result, rational combination of antioxidant-rich foods is recommended to population in the prevention of oxidative stress-related diseases. Both apple and grape are antioxidant-rich fruits. In this study, 2 weeks dietary intervention study was carried out in 25 healthy subjects to investigate the influences of apple and grape juices consumption on body antioxidant status. Our results indicated that 2 weeks of apple and grape juice consumption increased the plasma T-AOC and decreased the concentration of malondialdehyde. However, no change was found in the content of plasma carbonyl. Erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities were enhanced by 2 weeks of fruit juice consumption; however, no change was found in the activity of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase. The in vitro comet assay results indicated that apple and grape juice consumption did not influence lymphocyte damage upon hydrogen peroxide treatment. Urinary 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine content was not affected by 2 weeks of fruit juice intervention. These findings indicated that concomitant intake of apple and grape juice was efficient in enhancing the body's antioxidant status.

Erosive Tooth Wear and Consumption of Beverages among Children in the United States

Background/Aim: Experimental studies have identified differences in the effect of physicochemical properties of beverages on the etiology of erosive tooth wear (ETW). Little is known from epidemiological studies about the relationship between ETW and consumption of juices, drinks and milk. This study examined the relationship between the consumption of juices, drinks, milk and ETW in children in the United States. Methods: The National Health and Nutrition Examinations Survey data for 2003–2004 was analyzed. Trained and calibrated examiners used the modified Smith and Knight Tooth Wear Index from a 1998 United Kingdom Adult Health Survey to measure ETW. Beverage consumption collected via a Food Frequency Questionnaire was processed with Diet*Calc software to obtain the average daily consumption frequency for all queried juice categories, milk and carbonated beverages. Survey-weighted descriptive and multivariable analyses were performed. Results: Prevalence of ETW was highest in children aged 18–19 years (56%), males (49%), and lowest in Blacks (31%). Milk and soft drinks (0.85 times a day) and fruit drinks (0.69) were the most consumed products by children. Children with ETW had significantly higher odds of being frequent consumers of apple juice after adjusting for age, gender, and race/ethnicity. Blacks had the highest mean daily apple juice consumption, but the mean difference between those with ETW and those without ETW was not significant. Conclusion: ETW was associated with frequent intake of apple juice, but the mean difference in consumption between groups with ETW versus those without ETW within racial/ethnic groups was not significant.

Colonic availability of polyphenols and D‐(−)‐quinic acid after apple smoothie consumption

The aim of this study was to determine the amounts of polyphenols and D-(-)-quinic acid reaching the ileostomy bags of probands (and thus the colon in healthy humans) after ingestion of apple smoothie, a beverage containing 60% cloudy apple juice and 40% apple puree. Ten healthy ileostomy subjects each ingested 0.7 L of apple smoothie (a bottle). Their ileostomy bags were collected directly before and 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h after smoothie consumption, and the polyphenol and D-(-)-quinic acid contents of the ileostomy fluids were examined using HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS/MS. The total polyphenol and D-(-)-quinic acid content of the apple smoothie was determined to be 1955.6±124.6 mg/0.7 L, which is very high compared to cloudy apple juices. The most abundant substances found in the ileostomy bags were oligomeric procyanidins (705.6±197.9 mg), D-(-)-quinic acid (363.4±235.5 mg) and 5-caffeoylquinic acid (76.7±26.8 mg). Overall recovery of ingested polyphenols and D-(-)-quinic acid in the ileostomy bags was 63.3±16.1%. The amounts of polyphenol and D-(-)-quinic acids reaching the ileostomy bags are considerably higher after apple smoothie consumption than after the consumption of cloudy apple juice or cider. These results suggest that the food matrix might affect the colonic availability of polyphenols, and apple smoothies could be more effective in the prevention of chronic colon diseases than both cloudy apple juice and apple cider.

Uric Acid but Not Apple Polyphenols Is Responsible for the Rise of Plasma Antioxidant Activity after Apple Juice Consumption in Healthy Subjects

Objective: To determine whether (1) rapid consumption of 1 L of apple juice increases blood antioxidant capacity, measured as ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and serum 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity, and (2) apple polyphenols or fructose-induced elevation of plasma uric acid contributes to post-juice increase of blood antioxidant activity.Methods: The study involved 12 (mean age 32 ± 5 years, mean body weight 73 ± 7 kg) healthy nonsmoking subjects. Tested subjects consumed 1 L of clear apple juice and then FRAP; serum DPPH-scavenging activity, serum uric acid, and total plasma phenolics and quercetin levels were measured just before juice ingestion and 1, 2.5, and 4 hours after ingestion. This was repeated 3 times with 4-day intervals, but volunteers drank either 1 L of clear apple juice without polyphenols (placebo), or 1 L of cloudy apple juice (positive control), or 1 L of water (negative control) at the time. All juices had similar content of sugars (i.e., saccharose, glucose, and fructose) and precisely defined composition of phenolics and antioxidant activity.Results: Consumption of all 3 juices transiently increased FRAP and serum DPPH-scavenging activity, with peak values at 1 hour post-juice ingestion. This was paralleled by the rise of serum uric acid, but no significant changes in plasma total phenolics and quercetin levels were observed after all dietary interventions. At the same time, no substantial differences were found between juices (especially between clear apple juice and clear apple juice without polyphenols) concerning the measured variables. A strong significant correlation was noted instead between serum uric acid and plasma antioxidant activity at all analyzed time points, before and after juice ingestion. Plasma total phenolics and quercetin levels were not associated with FRAP and serum DPPH radical-scavenging activity.Conclusions: We have demonstrated that rapid consumption of apple juice increased plasma antioxidant activity in healthy subjects; this was caused by the fructose-induced rise of serum uric acid levels, but was not due to the presence of antioxidant polyphenols in juice. Thus, short-term consumption of apple juice seems not to be the effective dietary intervention to augment plasma antioxidant activity due to the concomitant possibility for uric acid to be a risk factor for several diseases, as verified by other authors.

Comparison between capillary electrophoresis and high performance liquid chromatography for the study of the occurrence of patulin in apple juice intended for infants

Apple juice samples intended for infants purchased in Navarra (Spain) have been analyzed for PAT occurrence. Two capillary electrophoresis methods, based on a MEKC and a CEC system, and an HPLC method were evaluated for the aforementioned study. The CEC system gave less satisfying separations and several practical problems, so samples have been analyzed by MEKC and HPLC. Both methods have been comparable in terms of recovery, precision, limits of detection, volume of organic solvents used and adequate selectivity with regard to PAT and HMF. The analysis time in HPLC has been slightly lower than in the MEKC methodology. The PAT levels obtained in apple juice by both validated methods showed a strong correlation ( p < 0.001). Therefore, both methodologies are useful for the accurate quantification of patulin in this matrix. The PAT levels obtained in the 20 infant apple juices samples were in a range between <LOD and 29.6 μg L −1, with a mean concentration of 8.0 μg L −1 which implies a dietary intake estimation of 104 ng kg −1 b.w. day −1 considering a body weight of 10 kg and an apple juice consumption of 130 mL day −1, 26% of the PMTDI recommended by JECFA.

Daily consumption of apple, pear and orange juice differently affects plasma lipids and antioxidant capacity of smoking and non-smoking adults

Epidemiological studies have shown an inverse correlation between a fruit and vegetable-rich diet and cardiovascular diseases; this beneficial effect of fruits and vegetables is probably due to the presence of antioxidant phytochemicals. In contrast, cigarette smoking is a high risk factor for lung and heart diseases, associated with chronic oxidative stress. In the present study, the effect of the consumption of a pear, an apple and 200 ml orange juice, during 26 days, on total plasma antioxidant capacity (TAC) and lipid profile of chronic smokers and non-smoking healthy adults was analyzed. Fruit consumption increased TAC in non-smokers, but not in smokers. In non-smokers, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol increased significantly; while in smokers, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol decreased. We may conclude fruit/juice supplementation showed different effects, depending on the smoking habit: in non-smokers it increased TAC and cholesterol; in smokers it reduced cholesterol, whithout inducing a TAC increase.

Effects of apples and specific apple components on the cecal environment of conventional rats: role of apple pectin

BackgroundOur study was part of the large European project ISAFRUIT aiming to reveal the biological explanations for the epidemiologically well-established health effects of fruits. The objective was to identify effects of apple and apple product consumption on the composition of the cecal microbial community in rats, as well as on a number of cecal parameters, which may be influenced by a changed microbiota.ResultsPrincipal Component Analysis (PCA) of cecal microbiota profiles obtained by PCR-DGGE targeting bacterial 16S rRNA genes showed an effect of whole apples in a long-term feeding study (14 weeks), while no effects of apple juice, purée or pomace on microbial composition in cecum were observed. Administration of either 0.33 or 3.3% apple pectin in the diet resulted in considerable changes in the DGGE profiles.A 2-fold increase in the activity of beta-glucuronidase was observed in animals fed with pectin (7% in the diet) for four weeks, as compared to control animals (P < 0.01). Additionally, the level of butyrate measured in these pectin-fed animal was more than double of the corresponding level in control animals (P < 0.01). Sequencing revealed that DGGE bands, which were suppressed in pectin-fed rats, represented Gram-negative anaerobic rods belonging to the phylum Bacteroidetes, whereas bands that became more prominent represented mainly Gram-positive anaerobic rods belonging to the phylum Firmicutes, and specific species belonging to the Clostridium Cluster XIVa.Quantitative real-time PCR confirmed a lower amount of given Bacteroidetes species in the pectin-fed rats as well as in the apple-fed rats in the four-week study (P < 0.05). Additionally, a more than four-fold increase in the amount of Clostridium coccoides (belonging to Cluster XIVa), as well as of genes encoding butyryl-coenzyme A CoA transferase, which is involved in butyrate production, was detected by quantitative PCR in fecal samples from the pectin-fed animals.ConclusionsOur findings show that consumption of apple pectin (7% in the diet) increases the population of butyrate- and β-glucuronidase producing Clostridiales, and decreases the population of specific species within the Bacteroidetes group in the rat gut. Similar changes were not caused by consumption of whole apples, apple juice, purée or pomace.

Prevention of DNA damage by polyphenol‐rich food

Epidemiological and experimental data suggest that an increased intake of plant food rich in polyphenols can reduce the risk of cancers. DNA damage is an important step in the initiation of carcinogenesis. Here we report data on the effect of polyphenol rich food such as apples and apple juice on DNA damage in colon epithelial cells from animal studies and in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from human intervention studies.1,2‐Dimethylhydrazine‐induced DNA strand breaks in colon epithelial cells in rats were significantly inhibited by consumption of cloudy and clear apple juice. In a human intervention study, consumption of 1 kg apples caused no changes in endogenous DNA strand breaks, in Fpg‐sensitive sites (oxidative purine damage) or in the capacity to protect DNA against damage induced by hydrogen peroxide in PBL. But, a statistically significant decrease in the levels of endonuclease III sensitive sites (oxidative pyrimidine damage) and an increase in capacity to protect DNA against strand breaks induced by iron chloride were identified. In contrast to the effects of apples, a human intervention with 2, 5 or 8 servings of fruit and vegetables/day had no effect on DNA damage in PBL. Thus, we have identified apples as another fruit to add to the already known types of fruit (kiwi) and vegetables (tomato) with antigenotoxic properties and partly characterized their antigenotoxic mechanism in humans.Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and the Federal Ministry of Research and Education, Germany

Mini-review: The effects of apples on plasma cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk – a review of the evidence

SummaryEvidence suggests that a high intake of fruits is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and lowered plasma cholesterol, but the specific effects of individual types of fruit, fruit fractions, and processed fruit are less well-studied. Apples are among the most frequently consumed fruits, and human and animal studies on apple may help to clarify the effect of this fruit on CVD risk markers. The aim of this mini-review is to summarise current evidence for a lowering effect of apple on the risk of CVD and plasma cholesterol levels, and to investigate whether such an effect is influenced by fruit processing or the form of intake. Possible mechanisms behind the cholesterol-lowering effect of apples are also considered. All relevant published experimental studies in humans and animals were identified within the open literature. Nine human studies were identified, of which four concerned the effects of whole apples, two the effects of dried apples, and three the effects of filtered apple juice. Additional studies considered specific apple components. In general, there was a cholesterol-lowering effect, in the range of 5 – 8%, after the intake of approx. three whole apples, whereas the consumption of apple juice (375 – 720 ml) had no effect on plasma cholesterol levels and may result in adverse effects on plasma triglyceride levels. Limitations in the study designs did not allow us to draw conclusions on the effect of the intake of whole, dried apples (15 – 52 g). We also identified a total of nine experimental studies in animal models. Feeding with apple products resulted in decreased levels of plasma (11 – 43%) and liver (23 – 67%) cholesterol in the majority of studies. There was an increased excretion of bile acids (3 – 56%) and cholesterol (5 – 41%) in rats fed with apple products. Based on the current evidence from human observational and intervention studies, it seems likely that a reduction in plasma total and LDL cholesterol occurs after a dietary intake of apples, which could lead to a decreased risk of CVD. On average, a daily intake of approx. three apples resulted in a decrease in total cholesterol of 5 – 8% (approx. 0.5 mmol l−1). The consumption of filtered apple juice may result in adverse effects on plasma triglyceride levels. Evidence from animal studies suggests that the major mechanism behind the cholesterol-lowering effect of apples involves an increased clearance of plasma cholesterol due to enhanced faecal excretion of bile acids and cholesterol.

Occurrence of patulin and its dietary intake through apple juice consumption by the Spanish population

A survey was conducted to determine levels and dietary intake of Patulin (PAT) from apple juices consumed in Spain. One hundred samples of apple juice were bought from distinct supermarkets. PAT was extracted by a liquid–liquid extraction technique and analysed with a micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) method. 66% of the samples contained PAT over the limit of detection of the method (0.7 μg L −1). The PAT apple juice mean and median levels obtained were 19.4 and 4.8 μg L −1, respectively, in a range between 0.7 and 118.7 μg L −1. In 11% of the samples, PAT contamination exceeded the maximum permitted level of 50 μg L −1 established by the EU regulation. In Spain, no significant variations were observed with respect to data published 15 years ago. Intakes were calculated for average consumers among adults, children and babies and then compared with the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) proposed by JECFA in 1995. Estimated daily intake of PAT in this study represents 14%, 39% and 63% of the PMTDI, respectively.

Assessing the Risk to U.K. Children from Carbendazim Residues in Apple Products

We present a detailed study into the effects that uncertainty and variability have on the levels of dietary exposure of young children to carbendazim in a range of apple products, including raw apples, apple juice and processed apple foods. It is estimated that exposure is greater than the provisional EU acute reference dose of 0.02 mg/kg-bw/day on 0.29% of person days, although there is large uncertainty in the true number. The contribution from apple juice consumption appears to be significant. The issues presented are common to many dietary risk analysis problems, and the methods could be applied to any food group and chemical of interest.

Apple consumption is associated with increased nutrient intakes and reduced risk of metabolic syndrome in adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2004)

The association between consumption of apples/apple products, dietary intake and physiological parameters was examined in adults using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2004). Apple consumers were defined as those who reported consumption of apples, apple juice, or applesauce during a 24‐hour dietary recall. When compared to non‐consumers, adult (19–50 years, n=968) apple consumers had significantly (p&lt;0.01) increased intakes of total fruit (2.5±0.07 vs 0.7±0.03 servings) and decreased intakes of added sugar (20.8±0.6 vs 26.7±0.5 tsp) and solid discretionary fat (47.5±0.8 vs 52.6±0.4 g). Apple consumers had significantly (p&lt;0.02) greater intakes of dietary fiber (21±0.4 vs 15±0.2 g), vitamin A (731±27 vs 587±13 RE), vitamin C (129±5 vs 89±2 mg), calcium (1012±23 vs 903±10 mg) and potassium (3225±43 vs 2727±20 mg). A significantly lower diastolic blood pressure (71±0.4 vs 72±0.2 mm Hg, p&lt;0.01) and a reduced C‐reactive protein level (0.33±0 vs 0.39±0 mg/dl, p&lt;0.01) was observed in apple consumers relative to non‐consumers. Consumers also had a 27% decreased likelihood of having metabolic syndrome (p&lt;0.05), a 37% decreased likelihood for elevated blood pressure (p&lt;0.01) and a 21% reduced risk of increased waist circumference (p&lt;0.01). Therefore, apple/apple product consumption in adults is associated with greater nutrient density and a significant reduction in metabolic syndrome risk. Supported by US Apple Association and Apple Products Research and Education Council.

Pomegranate juice is potentially better than apple juice in improving antioxidant function in elderly subjects

In the present study, 26 elderly subjects were recruited and randomly divided into 2 groups, that is, apple (low in antioxidant capacity) and pomegranate (high in antioxidant capacity) groups, and 250 mL of juice was consumed daily for 4 weeks. Changes in plasma antioxidant capacity, activity of antioxidant enzymes, contents of ascorbic acid, vitamin E, reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde, oxidized low-density lipoprotein and carbonyls, and the degree of DNA damage in mononuclear blood cells were measured. Urine samples were collected for determination of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine content. Increased plasma antioxidant capacity and decreased plasma carbonyl content were demonstrated after daily consumption of pomegranate juice. In comparison, apple juice consumption presented a less significant effect on antioxidant function in elderly subjects. It is concluded that daily consumption of pomegranate juices is potentially better than apple juice in improving antioxidant function in the elderly. Because the plasma ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and reduced glutathione contents did not differ significantly between the 2 groups in this study, the phenolics may be the functional components contained in pomegranate juice that accounted for the observations.

Polyphenols Are Intensively Metabolized in the Human Gastrointestinal Tract after Apple Juice Consumption

Polyphenols are secondary plant compounds showing anticarcinogenic effects both in vitro and in animal experiments and may thus reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in man. The identification of polyphenol metabolites formed via their passage through the small intestine of healthy ileostomy subjects after apple juice consumption is presented. Identification and quantification of polyphenols and their metabolites were performed using HPLC-DAD as well as HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Total procyanidin content (TPA) was measured, and additionally the mean degree of polymerization (DPm) of the procyanidins was determined in the apple juice and ileostomy effluents. As products of polyphenol metabolism, D-(-)-quinic acid and methyl esters of caffeic acid and p-coumaric acid are liberated from the corresponding hydroxycinnamic acid esters. 1-Caffeoylquinic acid and 3-caffeoylquinic acid were determined as products of isomerization. Phloretin 2'-O-glucoside (phloridzin) and phloretin 2'-O-xyloglucoside were metabolized into the corresponding aglycons phloretin and phloretin 2'-O-glucuronide and all were found in the ileostomy effluent. Ninety percent of the consumed procyanidins were recovered in the ileostomy effluent and therefore would reach the colon under physiologic circumstances. The DP m was reduced (DP m of apple juice=5.7) and varied depending on the time point of excretion. The gastrointestinal passage seems to play an important role in the colonic availability of apple polyphenols.

Variability and uncertainty assessment of patulin exposure for preschool children in Flanders

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the patulin exposure of children consuming organic, handcrafted or conventional apple juice through a probabilistic approach and to evaluate the effectiveness of several risk management options aiming to reduce the risk for children due to patulin exposure. However, a large part of the data on patulin contamination of apple juice fell under the limit of detection (LOD). Different methods were tested to deal with these so-called left censored data and a uniform distribution with uncertain bounds was selected to handle this censorship. Variability and uncertainty assessment of patulin exposure showed that 0.9% [90% confidence interval (CI): 0.3–1.8%] of the children consuming only organic apple juice exceed the tolerable daily intake (TDI). For consumers of conventional and handcrafted apple juice this was respectively 0.1% [90% CI: 0–0.3%] and 0% [90% CI: 0–0.2%]. Reduction of the patulin contamination in apple juice to concentrations below 25 μg/kg reduced the percentage of the children exceeding the TDI to 0% [90%CI: 0–0.2%] for organic apple juice. Reduction of the apple juice consumption was less effective than a reduction of the patulin concentration in apple juice and is only useful when the patulin concentration of apple juice is below 25 μg/kg.

Childhood asthma and fruit consumption

The present authors investigated whether wheezing is less common in children who consume more apples and other fruits. A population-based survey of 2,640 primary school children aged 5-10 yrs was carried out in Greenwich (South London, UK). Information about asthma symptoms and fruit consumption was obtained by means of a questionnaire. After controlling for potential confounding variables, eating bananas at least once a day (compared with less than once a month) was negatively associated with current wheeze (odds ratio 0.66; 95% confidence interval 0.44-1.00) and ever wheeze (0.69 (0.50-0.95)), but not with ever asthma (0.80 (0.56-1.14)). Drinking apple juice from concentrate at least once a day (compared with less than once a month) was also negatively associated with current wheeze (0.53 (0.34-0.83)), weakly associated with ever wheeze (0.74 (-0.54-1.02)), but not associated with ever asthma. Consumption of apples, other fruits and orange juice was not significantly associated with asthma symptoms. No association was found between eating fresh apples and asthma symptoms in the study population, but some evidence was found to suggest that a higher consumption of apple juice from concentrate and bananas may protect against wheezing in children.