Berry Juice Research Articles

Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to: flavonoids and ascorbic acid in fruit juices, including berry juices (ID 1186); flavonoids from citrus (ID 1471); flavonoids from Citrus paradisi Macfad. (ID 3324, 3325); flavonoids (ID

Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to: flavonoids and ascorbic acid in fruit juices, including berry juices (ID 1186); flavonoids from citrus (ID 1471); flavonoids from Citrus paradisi Macfad. (ID 3324, 3325); flavonoids (ID

Recovery of volatile fruit juice aroma compounds by membrane technology: Sweeping gas versus vacuum membrane distillation

The influence of temperature (10–45 °C), feed flow rate (300–500 L/h) and sweeping gas flow rate (1.2–2 m 3 /h) on the recovery of berry fruit juice aroma compounds by sweeping gas membrane distillation (SGMD) was examined on an aroma model solution and on black currant juice in a lab scale membrane distillation set up. The data were compared to recovery of the aroma compounds by vacuum membrane distillation (VMD). The flux of SGMD increased with an increase in temperature, feed flow rate or sweeping gas flow rate. Increased temperature and feed flow rate also increased the concentration factors ( C permeate / C feed ) of the aroma compounds. At 45 °C the most volatile and hydrophobic aroma compounds obtained the highest concentration factors: 12.1–9.3 (black currant juice) and 17.2–12.8 (model solution). With black currant juice a volume reduction of 13.7% (vol.%) at 45 °C, 400 L/h, resulted in an aroma recovery of 73–84 vol.% for the most volatile compounds. Compared to VMD, the aroma recovery with SGMD was less influenced by the feed flow rate but more influenced by the temperature. Higher fluxes were achieved during concentration by VMD and this reduced the operation time, which in turn reduced the degradation of anthocyanins and polyphenolic compounds in the juice. High temperature evaporation is the most widely used industrial technique for aroma recovery and concentration of juices, but membrane distillation (MD) may provide for gentler aroma stripping and lower energy consumption. This study gives important clues about the fate of berry juice aroma compounds and polyphenols during concentration by MD, and identifies the main factors influencing the aroma recovery efficiency with MD. Both SGMD and VMD are promising techniques for gentle stripping of berry juice aroma compounds and deserve further consideration as alternative techniques for gentle aroma stripping in industrial fruit juice processing. ► Workability of membrane distillation for gentle recovery of fruit juice aroma compounds. ► Effects of flow rates, temperature, and physicochemical properties of compounds. ► Theoretical prediction of aroma recovery versus feed volume reduction. ► Theoretical principles of sweeping gas and vacuum membrane distillation.

Acute Hepatotoxicity After Ingestion of Morinda citrifolia (Noni Berry) Juice in a 14‐year‐old Boy

We present a case of a 14-year-old previously healthy boy with acute hepatotoxicity after noni berry juice consumption. As the popularity of noni berry consumption continues to increase, heightened awareness of the relation between noni berry consumption and acute hepatotoxicity is important.

Consecutive applications of brassica green manures and seed meal enhances suppression of Meloidogyne javanica and increases yield of Vitis vinifera cv Semillon

This study examined the result of 1–3 year application sequences of two brassica green manures (Indian mustard cv Nemfix and BQ mulch™), Nemfix seed meal and Nemacur ® on the suppression of root knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica in soil and roots, and the consequent improvement on vigour and productivity of Vitis vinifera cv Semillon. Soil examination revealed ca. 37–78% suppression of M. javanica populations when soil was amended with brassica green manures, Nemfix seed meal and Nemacur ® for 1–3 consecutive years compared to unamended soil. In all cases, M. javanica populations were significantly reduced after 1 year of treatment with a further reduction in the second year of treatment. The third year application did not have any significant reduction over the second year treatment. A suppression of M. javanica populations in soil after 3 consecutive years of application of brassica green manures, Nemfix seed meal and Nemacur ® significantly increased yield by 69–101% compared to the inoculated control (unamended) treatment. Three consecutive years of application of green manures and Nemfix seed meal significantly increased starch concentration in the roots to between 23 and 25% compared to the inoculated control treatment (concentration 14%). Fresh pruning weights were significantly increased by 35% in 2–3 consecutive years of application of Nemfix green manure treatment only compared to the inoculated control treatment. Applications of the green manures, Nemfix seed meal and Nemacur ® for 1–3 consecutive years did not have any significant effect on berry juice characteristics.

Characterisation of bioactive compounds in berry juices by traditional photometric and modern microplate methods

Berries and berry production are an important economic factor. Berries contain nutritive components but also pertinent non-nutritive bioactives like phenolic-type phytochemicals. It is well accepted that consumption of bioactives from berries prevent or delay chronic and degenerative diseases. Therefore, a thorough evaluation of bioactive compounds is of utmost interest to assess berry quality. The most accepted photometric methods for the determination of bioactive compounds are presented for conventional cuvette and modern microplate applications. All methods are precisely described and advantages of the microplate methods are discussed. Cuvette and microplate methods show slightly different sensitivity and limits of detection depending on concentrations used for reagents and standard compounds. In general, with microplate methods reagents can be saved up to 12-fold and less time to perform the analyses is needed (up to factor 33). Applicability of all the methods has been shown with selected berry juices. Among all analysed commercial juices, blueberry juice had the highest content of total polyphenols, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, while the lowest content was observed in pomegranate juice. Blueberry juice had also the highest antioxidant capacity measured by TEAC by ABTS, FRAP and ORAC method when compared to the cranberry, acai, goji and pomegranate juice.

Inhibition Activity of Wild Berry Juice Fractions against Streptococcus pneumoniae Binding to Human Bronchial Cells

Bacterial adhesion to the cell surface is a crucial step before infection can take place. Inhibition of bacterial binding offers a novel preventive approach against infections. Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) juice has been found to have antiadhesive activity against different bacteria. Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important pathogen and the most common cause for pneumonia, meningitis, and otitis media. In this study the inhibitory activity of cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos L.), bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) and crowberry (Empetrum nigrum and Empetrum hermaphroditum L.) juice fractions against pneumococcal binding was tested using human bronchial cells (Calu-3) as an adhesion model. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of the berry juice fractions was tested. It was found that the studied berry juice fractions had antiadhesion activity and cranberry juice was the most active. The adhesion inhibition activity of cranberry juice was nearly 90% at a concentration of 8.7 mg/g of soluble solids. The antimicrobial activity of the studied berry juice fractions was found to be remarkable; pneumococcal growth was inhibited totally at a concentration of ∼86 mg/g. Both antiadhesion and antimicrobial activities were reduced after solid-phase extraction of the berry juices, which may suggest molecular synergistic effects of the berry juice molecules against S. pneumoniae. The findings indicate that cranberry, bilberry and crowberry juices have potential against pneumococcal infections.

Antiaggregation potential of berry fractions against pairs of Streptococcus mutans with Fusobacterium nucleatum or Actinomyces naeslundii

Coaggregation is an interspecies adhesion process, which is essential to the development of dental plaque. This is an in vitro study of the composition of the soluble solids in the berry juice molecular size fractions (<10 kDa, FI; 10-100 kDa, FII; >100 kDa, FIII) derived from apple, bilberry, blackcurrant, cloudberry, crowberry and lingonberry and their ability to inhibit and reverse coaggregation of the pairs of common species in dental plaque: Streptococcus mutans with Fusobacterium nucleatum or Actinomyces naeslundii. Inhibitory and reversal activity was found in the molecular size fractions FII and FIII of bilberry, blackcurrant, crowberry and lingonberry. The active fractions contained higher amounts of polyphenols (5-12% of soluble solids) than those without activity (<2% of soluble solids). Proanthocyanidins dominated in the active lingonberry juice fractions FII and FIII and also small amounts of anthocyanins were detected. Anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins and flavonol glycosides were prevalent in FII and FIII fractions of bilberry, blackcurrant and crowberry juices. Comparable amounts of sugars and titratable acids were present in the latter three berry juice fractions of different size. The results indicate that the high molecular size fractions of lingonberry, bilberry, blackcurrant and crowberry juices have antiaggregation potential on common oral bacteria, the potential being associated with their polyphenolic content.

Vitamin Enhanced Waters and Polyphenol Rich Beverages Analyzed for Antioxidant Capacity and Antioxidants/Calorie

The purpose of this study was to analyze polyphenol rich beverages (vitamin enhanced waters (VEWs), fruit juices and berry juices) to determine free polyphenol concentrations and free polyphenols per Calorie based on a serving size. The Folin–Ciocalteu reagent was used in a colorimetric assay based on a catechin standard. Fruit and berry juices contained, on average, more than eight-times the concentration of free polyphenols when compared to VEWs. When Calories per serving were taken into consideration, fruit and berry juices contained more than twice the free polyphenols per Calorie.

Colour and label evaluation of commercial pasteurised red juices and related drinks

Despite growing demand by consumers for healthy beverages, artificial colours are still widely used. Levels of anthocyanins and artificial colours were determined by HPLC with UV-Vis detection in red orange juices and other red beverages (nectar, juice-based, health, carbonated and sports drinks). The contribution of pigments to the visible colour of the beverage was calculated. Red orange juice samples contained about 34 mg l−1 of anthocyanins, which were responsible for about 92% of the visible colour. Red juice-based drinks, containing from 0% to 30% of red orange, berry, grape or pomegranate juices, had low levels of anthocyanins (about 7 mg l−1) and high levels of E129 (about 32 mg l−1), which were responsible for about 90.7% of the colour of these beverages. Red health drinks, enriched with vitamins and polyphenols, contained from 3% to 50% of red fruit juices. Also in this case the E129 levels were higher (about 22 mg l−1) than anthocyanins (about 9 mg l−1), and were responsible for the colour of the beverages (76.1%). High levels of artificial colours were found in red orange carbonated drinks, but in comparable amounts with those found in the other beverage samples, while anthocyanins were only present in trace amounts. Although all of the beverages claimed to contain red fruits on the labels, no correlation was found between the level of anthocyanins and the declared percentage of red fruits. These labels generally conformed with the requirements of the law, but food product labels can often be misleading to consumers about the real characteristics of the product.

Inhibition of adhesion of Neisseria meningitidis to human epithelial cells by berry juice polyphenolic fractions

The adhesion of pathogens to host tissues is the requirement for the initiation of the majority of infectious diseases. It was shown recently that the binding of Neisseria meningitidis pili to immobilized human epithelial cells is inhibited by molecular size fractions (10-100 kDa) of berry juices. Additionally, the isolated meningococcal pili bound to polyphenolic fractions of berry juices. The present study investigated the antiadhesive effects of berry juice polyphenolics against living meningococcal bacteria in a human epithelial cell culture model. The ability of bilberry, cranberry, crowberry and lingonberry juice polyphenolic fractions to inhibit the attachment of N. meningitidis bacteria to HEC-1B human epithelial cells in a cell culture model was examined. The antibacterial effect of the fractions was tested using a microtiter broth microdilution assay. The most effective adhesion inhibition of 75% was achieved with cranberry juice polyphenolic fraction followed by crowberry (63%), bilberry (63%) and lingonberry (57%) juice polyphenolic fractions. Bacterial survival rates after incubation with the fractions varied between 75-100%. The present results suggest berry juice polyphenols as inhibitors of adherence of N. meningitidis. Thus the binding of meningococci to berry juice polyphenols might be protective for the host against the infection.

Sugars, sugar alcohols, fruit acids, and ascorbic acid in wild Chinese sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides ssp. sinensis) with special reference to influence of latitude and altitude

Wild berries of Hippophaë rhamnoides ssp. sinensis were collected from nine natural growth sites in China in three consecutive years in order to get an overall profile of the sugars, sugar alcohols, fruit acids, and ascorbic acid, and especially of the influence of the latitude and altitude of the growth place on these components. The contents of fructose, glucose, and l-quebrachitol in the berry juice varied in the ranges of 0.01–7.17, 0.05–7.85 and 0.21–1.09g/100mL, respectively, those of malic, quinic, and ascorbic acids were 1.55–8.84, 0.07–2.94, and 0.25–1.66g/100mL, respectively. The berries from Hebei and Inner Mongolia were characterized by high contents of sugars and l-quebrachitol and low contents of malic acid and ascorbic acid. In contrast, the berries from Sichuan and Qinghai contained lower contents of sugars and higher contents of malic acid and ascorbic acid than the berries from other growth areas. The berries from Sichuan differed considerably from others by the remarkably low contents of sugars and the exceptionally high contents of acids. The contents of fructose, glucose, and total sugar decreased as the altitude increased and as the latitude decreased (p<0.05). In contrast, the contents of malic acid and ascorbic acid increased as the altitude increased and as the latitude decreased (p<0.05). The contents of quinic acid and l-quebrachitol correlated strongly and positively with the latitude (p<0.01).

Biological activity and chemical composition of different berry juices

Total phenolics, total anthocyanins, mineral content, radical scavenging activity and antiproliferative activity against human cancer cell lines were evaluated in fresh pressed juices of five different berries. Total phenolic content ranged from 133.0 to 260.3 mg of gallic acid equivalents/100 g of fresh weight, for red currant and black currant, respectively. Bilberry juice contained the highest amount of total anthocyanins (0.18%). Significant correlation between total phenolics content and radical scavenging activity was observed ( r = −0.980; p < 0.01). All examined juices showed antiproliferative activity in dose-dependent manner with IC 50 ranging from 10.2 to 70.5 μl/ml. Black currant juice was the most effective inhibitor of proliferation in all cell lines tested (HeLa, Fem X, LS 174, MCF-7 and PC-3). Significant correlations of acidity and total anthocyanin content with antiproliferative activity of berry juices on HeLa cells, Fem X cells and MCF-7 cells were noticed. Berry juices are good sources of some minerals and contribute significantly to daily intake of these micronutrients.

Evaluation of energy and dietary intake estimates from a food frequency questionnaire using independent energy expenditure measurement and weighed food records

BackgroundWe have developed a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for the assessment of habitual diet, with special focus on the intake of fruit, vegetables and other antioxidant-rich foods and beverages. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relative validity of the intakes of energy, food and nutrients from the FFQ.MethodsEnergy intake was evaluated against independent measures of energy expenditure using the ActiReg® system (motion detection), whereas 7-days weighed food records were used to study the relative validity of food and nutrient intake. The relationship between methods was investigated using correlation analyses and cross-classification of participants. The visual agreement between the methods was evaluated using Bland-Altman plots.ResultsWe observed that the FFQ underestimated the energy intake by approximately 11% compared to the energy expenditure measured by the ActiReg®. The correlation coefficient between energy intake and energy expenditure was 0.54 and 32% of the participants were defined as under-reporters. Compared to the weighed food records the percentages of energy from fat and added sugar from the FFQ were underestimated, whereas the percentage of energy from total carbohydrates and protein were slightly overestimated. The intake of foods rich in antioxidants did not vary significantly between the FFQ and weighed food records, with the exceptions of berries, coffee, tea and vegetables which were overestimated. Spearman's Rank Order Correlations between FFQ and weighed food records were 0.41 for berries, 0.58 for chocolate, 0.78 for coffee, 0.61 for fruit, 0.57 for fruit and berry juices, 0.40 for nuts, 0.74 for tea, 0.38 for vegetables and 0.70 for the intake of wine.ConclusionsOur new FFQ provides a good estimate of the average energy intake and it obtains valid data on average intake of most antioxidant-rich foods and beverages. Our study also showed that the FFQs ability to rank participants according to intake of total antioxidants and most of the antioxidant-rich foods was good.

Extraction of antioxidants from several berries pressing wastes using conventional and supercritical solvents

The solid waste generated in industrial berry juice production was considered as a low cost raw material for the extraction of natural antioxidants. Berries contain phenolic compounds with high antioxidant potential, including anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonols, catechins, benzoic and cinnamic acids. The solid residues generated from blueberry, cranberry and raspberry after pressing were extracted by conventional solvent extraction or by supercritical CO2 (SC–CO2) extraction. The effect of particle size and extraction time on the extraction yield, phenolic yield and phenolic content of the extracts produced by conventional solvents was assessed. Supercritical CO2 extraction was performed during 2 h operating in the range 80–300 bar at 60 °C using 2.5 L CO2/h. Maximum solubles yield of 5.20% were extracted from raspberry wastes at 200 bar, 3.89% from cranberry wastes at 250 bar and 1.4% from blueberry wastes at 200 bar. The highest phenolic content of the extracts was observed for blueberry pomace in the trap, with 9 grams of gallic acid equivalents per 100 g of extract. The ABTS (2, 2′-azino-bis-[3-ethylbenzotiazol-6-sulfonic acid]) and DPPH (α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging capacity of the SC–CO2 extracts was moderate in comparison with the activity of conventional solvent extracts.

Weed Control and Canopy Light Management in Blackberries

Weed control in blackberries (Rubus spp.) is a serious problem for organic producers and those who wish to reduce their reliance on herbicides. At the southern limits of blackberry production, late season yields are reduced because of high daytime temperatures generated by high air temperatures and intense solar radiation. In a field experiment located near Monte Alto, Texas (26° N Lat.), using ‘Kiowa’ root cuttings established in 2008, weeds were controlled mechanically by hand and with an industrial-grade laminated white plastic. In spring 2009, plant volume and leaf area were improved by use of white plastic. Early season flowering on March 30 and the number of red fruits on April 27 were increased by white plastic. After the third harvest on May 19, half of the weed control plots were tented with 40% shade cloth for the remaining seven weekly harvests, resulting in improved cumulative yields from both white plastic application and shading. Shade reduced ripe fruit temperatures by 3.4°C (P = 0.0002) regardless of weed control method. The percentage of reflected light through the canopy was improved by white plastic and was not influenced by shading (P = 0.001). Air movement over the canopy (not replicated) was reduced 30% by shading. White plastic alone improved the cumulative season yield by 86%, while shade alone increased the season yield by 34%. The combined use of white plastic and shade increased the season total yield by 1.4 × or 4.4 Mt/ha compared to current production practices (bare ground and no shading). Late season average fruit weight, % SS, and berry juice yield (ml/g fruit) were improved by shade application.

Safety evaluation of an açai-fortified fruit and berry functional juice beverage (MonaVie Active ®)

The safety of an açai ( Euterpe oleracea Mart.) pulp enriched fruit and berry juice, MonaVie Active ®, fortified with the functional ingredient, glucosamine, was studied. The beverage was found not to be mutagenic, clastogenic, cytotoxic, or genotoxic, as determined by the bacterial reverse mutation assay, chromosomal aberration assay, mouse micronucleus assay, and mammalian cell gene mutation (L5178Y) assay. The single dose LD50 based on a 14-day acute oral toxicity study is greater than 20,000 mg/kg bw, the highest dose tested. In a repeat dose 90-day oral subchronic toxicity study by gavage, 220 animals were randomly assigned to a control group, an untreated group, or one of three experimental groups (10, 20 and 40 g/kg bw). No treatment-related significant changes in body weight, food and water consumption, ophthalmology, organ weights, urinanalysis, hematological and clinical chemistry, or gross pathology, were observed in surviving animals compared to the control groups. Three animals died midway through the observation period (male, 20 g/kg bw/day; male 40 g/kg bw/day; and, female, 10 g/kg bw/day). These animals died without preceding clinical symptoms, histopathological lesions, or evidence of injury to tissue or organs except for signs of suffocation/aspiration congestion, which was concluded to be due to problems with the gavage administration of the fluid test article, and not due to the test article itself. The NOEAL was determined to be 40 g/kg bw/day for male and female rats, which was the highest dose tested. Phylloquinone (vitamin K1) content averaged 21.7 μg/100 g, comparable to amounts found in iceberg lettuce. In conclusion, the results provide additional experimental evidence that MonaVie Active ® juice is non-toxic.

Mice drinking goji berry juice (Lycium barbarum) are protected from UV radiation-induced skin damage viaantioxidant pathways

The goji berry, Lycium barbarum, has long been recognised in traditional Chinese medicine for various therapeutic properties based on its antioxidant and immune-modulating effects. This study describes the potential for orally consumed goji berry juice to alter the photodamage induced in the skin of mice by acute solar simulated UV (SSUV) irradiation. In Skh:hr-1 hairless mice, 5% goji berry juice significantly reduced the inflammatory oedema of the sunburn reaction. Dilutions of goji berry juice between 1% and 10% dose-dependently protected against SSUV-induced immunosuppression, and against suppression induced by the mediator, cis-urocanic acid, measured by the contact hypersensitivity reaction. The immune protection could not be ascribed to either the minor excipients in the goji juice, pear and apple juice, nor the vitamin C content, nor the preservative, and appeared to be a property of the goji berry itself. Antioxidant activity in the skin was demonstrated by the significant protection by 5% goji juice against lipid peroxidation induced by UVA radiation. Furthermore, two known inducible endogenous skin antioxidants, haem oxygenase-1 and metallothionein, were found to be involved in the photoimmune protection. The results suggest that consumption of this juice could provide additional photoprotection for susceptible humans.

Adjunctive effects of a dietary supplement comprising dried whole fruit, vegetable and berry juice concentrates on clinical outcomes of treatment of periodontitis

Periodontitis is a prevalent chronic inflammatory disease, a major cause of tooth loss and associates with systemic morbidity and mortality. Biologically, it associates with reduced local and systemic antioxidant defences and elevated levels of oxidative stress secondary to a hyper‐inflammatory neutrophil host response to plaque bacteria. This randomised, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind trial, aimed to assess whether adjunctive benefit could be detected with Juice Plus+® supplementation during and after standard non‐surgical periodontal therapy. Primary outcomes were reduction in periodontal pocket depth (PPD) and gain in connective tissue attachment level (CAL) to teeth, 2‐months post‐therapy. Test interventions were fruit/vegetable (FV, n=16) and FV/berry (FVB, n=15) verses placebo (PL, n=17). Statistical analysis employed 2‐tailed ANCOVA (baseline PPD and CAL as covariates) and interim data on 48 never smokers are reported. Non‐surgical therapy produced significant improvements in PPD (FV = 0.86±0.4mm; FVB = 0.88±0.4mm; PL = 0.81±0.5mm) and for CAL (p&lt;0.0001). Despite such large improvements, additional benefit was seen for PPD with FV (p&lt;0.03) and FVB (p&lt;0.04) supplementation verses PL, and a trend towards additional gains in CAL with FV (p=0.07). Thus, adjunctive Juice Plus+® may offer additional therapeutic benefit to standard non‐surgical periodontal therapy. Support NSA (TN, USA)

Potential interaction between MonaVie Active and Warfarin

MonaVie Active (MonaVie LLC, South Jordan, UT) is a blended acai berry juice marketed in the United States as a nutritional antioxidant that helps maintain health of the joints and heart.[1][1],[2][2] There is limited scientific data to establish the degree of interaction between MonaVie Active and

18 Impact of dietary augmentation with dried whole fruit, vegetable and berry juice concentrates upon outcomes of periodontal therapy: a randomized controlled trial

M.M. Milward1, N. Ling-Mountford1, P. Weston1, G.E. Dallal2, J.B. Matthews1, S. De-Spirt3, W. Stahl3, I.L.C. Chapple1. 1Periodontal Research Group, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, The University of Birmingham, UK; 2Biostatistics Unit, USDA HNRC at Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA; 3Institut fuer Biochemie und Molekularbiologie I Heinrich-Heine-Universitaet, Duesseldorf, Germany E-mail: m.r.milward@bham.ac.uk Chronic periodontitis is the most prevalent chronic inflammatory disease of humans [1], a major cause of tooth loss [2] and an independent risk factor for systemic inflammatory diseases, such as atherogenic vascular disease [3], type-2 diabetes [4] and rheumatoid arthritis [5]. It is caused by a dysregulated inflammatory response to the microbial plaque biofilm, characterised by oxidative stress [6], and which fails to remove causative pathogens, creating a non-resolving inflammation that destroys the attachment of the teeth to jaw bone. Large epidemiological studies have demonstrated an inverse association between serum antioxidant micronutrient levels and periodontitis prevalence [7]. Therefore, the aim of this placebo-controlled, randomized, double blind trial, was to assess whether additional benefit could be obtained by use of dietary augmentation with dried whole fruit, vegetable and berry extracts (Juice Plus+®), employed during and after non-surgical periodontal therapy. Primary outcome measures were reductions in periodontal pocket depth (PPD) and gain in connective tissue attachment level (CAL) to teeth, 2-months following standard therapy. Test interventions were fruit/vegetable (FV, n = 16) and FV/berry (FVB, n = 15) verses placebo (PL, n = 17). Statistical analysis employed 2-tailed ANCOVA (baseline PPD and CAL as covariates) and interim data on 48 never smokers are reported. Plasma beta-carotene concentrations increased over the study period in FV and FVV groups (p 0.05), and were higher at 2-months in FV and FVV than PL (p < 0.006). Non-surgical therapy produced statistically significant improvements in PPD (FV = 0.86±0.4mm; FVB = 0.88±0.4mm; PL = 0.81±0.5mm) and for CAL (p < 0.0001). Despite such large improvements, additional benefit was seen for PPD with FV (p < 0.03) and FVB (p < 0.04) supplementation versus PL, and a trend towards additional gains in CAL with FV (p = 0.07). Thus, adjunctive antioxidant micronutrients (Juice Plus+®) may offer additional therapeutic benefit to standard non-surgical periodontal therapy. Support: NSA (TN, USA).