Juice Plus Research Articles

Understanding complex effects on clinical outcomes and biomarker activities of food supplementation in heavy smokers: an approach using bayesian networks

BACKGROUND: Antioxidant administration can significantly alleviate smoking-mediated oxidative stress. In our previous research, using a concentrated mixed juice powder led to significant reduction in oxidative status markers and improved lung function among smokers. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of different antioxidant formulations of the retail product Juice Plus+® on oxidative status and lung function in healthy smokers via a a Bayesian Network (BN) analysis. METHODS: At baseline and after 3 months’ supplementation, pulmonary function, cardiovascular risk factors, and oxidative status were assessed in 101 smokers, randomized into three groups: placebo (P), fruit/vegetable (FV), and fruit/vegetable/berry (FVB) group. BN analysis was performed via Monte Carlo simulations. Statistical significance was assigned as p < 0.05. RESULTS: No significant interaction was observed in P (network score –101.4, p = ns), whereas overall fit significantly improved in both FV (network score –185.7, p = 0.01) and FVB (–293.7, p = 0.003). Moreover, P group’s respiratory parameters appeared unrelated to the biochemical structure, whereas those of the FV and, to a greater extent, FVB groups were definitely related to it CONCLUSIONS: BN analysis demonstrated that the FV and FVB formulations contain nutraceutical compounds capable of synergistically acting and improving antioxidant modulation and respiratory function in smoking subjects

Effects of Two Plant-Based Dietary Supplements on Cardiovascular Health and Low-Grade Inflammation in the Elderly: Study Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract Objectives To assess whether the long-term separate ingestions of an encapsulated juice powder concentrate and a plant-based omega fatty acid supplement, or a combined ingestion of the two, can affect biomarkers of cardiovascular health, low-grade inflammation and indicators of aging in the elderly. Methods This is a randomised, controlled, open-labelled, parallel-grouped clinical trial, consisting of 4 arms. One hundred and twelve, overweight and obese (BMI 25–35 kg/m2) subjects, aged 60 to 80 years will be recruited and randomly allocated to: i) control group; ii) Fruit, Vegetable and Berry (FVB) group, where participants have to ingest a fruit, vegetable and berry supplement (Juice Plus+® capsules); iii) Omega group, where participants have to ingest a plant-based fatty acid supplement (Juice Plus+® Omega Blend); and iv) Fruit, Vegetable, Berry and Omega (FVBO) group, where participants have to ingest the fruit, vegetable and berry supplement, together with the plant-based fatty acid supplement. Participants in all groups will continue their habitual diet and lifestyle. Those allocated to one of the three intervention groups, will be asked to ingest the supplements for a total duration of two years. Participants will be assessed at baseline and at follow-up visits at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Primary outcomes include markers of cardiovascular health and low-grade inflammation. Secondary outcomes include selected indicators of aging, cognitive function, immunity and quality of life. Finally, plasma levels of vitamins, carotenoids and fatty acids will also be assessed. Results N/A Conclusions This study will provide evidence whether long-term, plant-based dietary supplementation can support cardiovascular health, anti-inflammatory processes, immunity and nutritional status in aging. Funding Sources The Juice Plus + Science Institute received funding by The Juice Plus+® Company for this project.

Intestinal Bacteroides Levels are Reduced by a Fruit and Vegetable Juice Concentrate

Abstract Objectives Phytochemicals from fruits and vegetables have the potential to reduce inflammation and improve overall health. This study evaluated the effect of an encapsulated fruit and vegetable juice concentrate (FVC) on the composition and abundances of intestinal microbiota in an overweight/obese, female population and the association with indicators of metabolic health and inflammatory status. Methods The study was performed as a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial with 57 asymptomatic, pre-menopausal, overweight/obese (BMI between 25 and 40 kg/m2) females between 25–50 years of age and working in the healthcare field. Blood and fecal samples were collected before and after eight and sixteen weeks of daily supplementation with FVC. Metabolic and immune parameters were measured, and the gut microbiome was analyzed by sequencing of the V4 region of the 16SrRNA gene. Results The FVC supplementation did not change serum cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides and fasting glucose, or fasting cytokine levels for MCP1, MIP-1β, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-1β, IL-6, and Leptin. Sequencing analysis revealed the most abundant phyla detected at baseline in this population were Firmicutes (75.75 ± 10.59%), Bacteroidetes (15.23 ± 12.5%), with Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia also present. The following genera was most abundant in the study population: Blautia (22 ± 12.86%), Roseburia (8.03 ± 7.34%), Coprococus (5.44 ± 4.0%), Faecalibatcerium (11.12 ± 8.12%) and Bacteroides (10.89 ± 9.56%). FCV supplementation did not result in significant taxonomic changes at the level of phyla, or alter alpha (Shannon Index) or beta diversity (Bray Curtis analysis). However, there was a consistent reduction in overall bacterial abundance in the FVC supplemented group. This reduction was primarily attributed to the decrease in the gram-negative, anaerobic genus, Bacteroides (P = 0.08). Conclusions An encapsulated fruit and vegetable juice concentrate did not alter metabolic or inflammatory indicators in a healthy, overweight/obese female population, but resulted in a reduced abundance of the intestinal bacterial population, Bacteroides. Funding Sources NSA LLC/The Juice Plus+® Company.

Plant-based Fatty Acid Food Supplement Can Increase Erythrocyte omega-3-index (P06-012-19)

ObjectivesVia a randomized controlled clinical trial we evaluated whether 0.5 g or 1 g of omega-3-fatty acids from a plant-based food supplement (Juice Plus+® OMEGA Blend) could increase erythrocyte omega-3-index in healthy adult subjects. MethodsAfter a 4-week wash out from food supplements and a 4-week run in to harmonize intake of dietary w-3 fatty acids, we conducted a controlled, randomized, open-labelled, parallel-grouped, clinical trial. 80 healthy adults from Austria, Europe, were randomized to four groups: a) control group, just adhering to the habitual diet; b) two capsules/day of the plant-based fatty acid supplement matching 0.5 g of w-3-fatty acids; c) four capsules/day of the plant-based fatty acid supplement matching 1 g of w-3-fatty acids; and d) four capsules of the plant-based fatty acid supplement and 6 capsules/day of a powdered, encapsulated, fruit, berry and vegetable juice concentrate (Juice Plus+® PREMIUM). Blood samples were collected at baseline, after 8 weeks, and after 16 weeks intervention with the food supplement(s). Results68 subjects (39.43 ± 12.28 years, 33 female, 35 male) completed the intervention. Baseline data on w-3-index revealed that the average w-3-index of the investigated groups was already higher than expected (mean value: 7.8%). Nevertheless, the intervention with the commercially available and plant-based fatty acid food supplement increased erythrocyte w-3-index significantly in all intervention groups (p < 0.001), after 8 weeks (mean values increased from 7.8% into a range from 10.4% to 11.1%) as well as after 16 weeks (mean values increased from 7.8% into a range from 11.7% to 14.4%). In all intervention groups the w-3-index was also significantly different from control (p < 0.001), after 8 weeks as well as after 16 weeks. No significant differences in w-3-index were detected between intervention groups after 8 and 16 weeks. ConclusionsThese data demonstrate that the intake of only 0.5 g/day of a plant-based w-3 fatty acid food supplement from algae and berry seeds is able to increase the w-3-index of a well-nourished, healthy cohort significantly only after 8 weeks. Funding SourcesThe Juice Plus+® Science Institute received funding by the Juice Plus+® Company for this project.

Long-term Effects of Two Plant-based Dietary Supplements on Low-grade Inflammation, Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Indicators of Biological Aging (P06-080-19)

ObjectivesLow- grade inflammation is a pathological feature of a wide range of chronic conditions, including the metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases (CVD)1, 2 and the accelerated reduction in bone density3. Previous research shows that diets rich in fruits and vegetables can reduce chronic inflammation4, 5. To date there is no data on multiyear clinical interventions assessing the effect of plant-based dietary supplements on low-grade inflammation, cardiovascular disease prevention and indicators of biological aging.To assess the long-term effect of two plant based macro- and micronutrient food supplements on low-grade inflammation, cardiovascular disease prevention and indicators of biological ageing in overweight, elderly people. MethodsThis is a 3-arm open labelled, balanced, parallel design, observational study assessing the effectiveness of two different supplements vs control. Ninety overweight and obese volunteers, aged 50–80 years, will be recruited and followed up for the duration of 2 years. Since this is a long term trial and in order to maximize adherence to interventions, we will allow volunteers to choose their preferred treatment and we will implement a propensity score design. More specifically, for each participant an individual score based on certain parameters will be calculated (Table 1) and will be matched with another participant with the same propensity score across the three groups, exerting a ‘post-randomization’ effect. Multiple primary endpoints will be changes in markers of low-grade inflammation, CVD risk and micronutrients status (Table 2). Secondary outcomes will include assessment of Upper Respiratory Tract Symptoms, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, Quality of Life and Anthropometry. Furthermore, Cognitive Function, Bone quality and Leucocyte Telomere length will be assessed as tertiary outcomes. Resultsn/a ConclusionsThis study will provide data on the effect of long-term, plant-based supplementation on chronic conditions and nutritional status in aging. In addition, the novel study design implemented might counteract the high dropout rate often observed in long term nutritional interventions and might create a new era with regards to study design approach in the field of nutritional science. Funding SourcesThe Juice Plus+ Science Institute received funding by The Juice Plus+® Company for this project. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs▪▪

Poppers: legal highs with questionable contents? A case series of poppers maculopathy

BackgroundPoppers are volatile alkyl nitrite compounds that are inhaled to enhance sexual experience and for their psychoactive effects. A less well-known side effect is foveal maculopathy, which has emerged following...

Phenolic compounds as functional ingredients and nutraceuticals: the case of Juice PLUS+

The protective effects of diets rich in fruits and vegetables are not only due to fibre, vitamins and minerals, but also to a diversity of plant secondary metabolites, in particular phenolic compounds and flavonoids. These compounds are now widely used as food ingredients and supplements, with the final aim of making the health benefits associated with their intake more widely and easily available. The bioavailability of these compounds after dietary intake has been a topic of increasing research in recent years, and could be one of the crucial issues when trying to develop commercial products containing polyphenols. Moreover, it is now well recognised that following ingestion, phenolic compounds undergo extensive metabolism during their passage through the gastrointestinal tract and, with very few exceptions, only metabolites and catabolites of the parent compounds enter the circulatory system. Metabolism occurs initially in the lumen of the small intestine with cleavage of sugar moieties after which the released aglycone undergoes glucuronidation, sulfation and/or methylation [1]. After entry of these metabolites into the circulatory system, phase II metabolism may also occur in the liver and other organs [1]. However, a large proportion of ingested polyphenols are not absorbed in the small intestine [1] and so pass to the large intestine, where substantial structural modifications are mediated by the local colonic microbiota [1]. The resultant low‐molecular‐weight compounds, may be absorbed and circulate in the body prior to excretion in urine in amounts that greatly exceed those of metabolites absorbed in the small intestine, whose concentration in plasma rarely exceeds the nmol/l levels [1]. Here we evaluated the composition and the absorption kinetics of a set commercially available encapsulated nutraceuticals, namely Juice PLUS+ Vineyard (a berry blend, JBB), Juice PLUS+ Fruit Blend (JFB) and Juice PLUS+ Vegetable Blend (JVB), kindly supplied by Juice PLUS+ company. The analysis of the three supplements by uHPLC–MSn allowed to tentatively identify 119 (poly)phenolic compounds. The main microbial/human metabolites were then tracked in a short pharmacokinetic study involving 20 healthy volunteers, demonstrating that a diversity of compounds circulate in vivo after Juice PLUS+ capsules intake, becoming potentially responsible of the health related effects which have been previously reported in a plethora of intervention studies [examples 2–4].Support or Funding InformationPart of this work has been supported by “Green Beat – Institute of Nutrient Research and Sport Nutrition”

Bioavailability of Carotenoids and Specific Vitamins of a Commercially Available Fruit‐, Berry‐ and Vegetable‐Juice Concentrate

IntroductionSeveral clinical trials have documented that supplementations with a whole food based encapsulated fruit/berry/vegetable juice powder supplement (Juice Plus+®) improved markers of redox biology, low‐grade inflammation and circulation. The aim of this study was whether this product provides bioavailable carotinoides and vitamins A, E and C to support mechanistic explanations for the beneficial outcomes observed in the past.MethodsIn this one‐arm clinical trial 18 healthy subjects (m/f, 20 – 50 yrs), non‐smokers, who fulfilled the inclusion criteria received the product over 8 weeks. 6 capsules a day, 2 of the fruit blend + 2 of the berry blend + 2 of the vegetable blend, were taken with meals. After wash‐out of all food supplements and dietetic foodstuff the bioavailability of several carotenoids and vitamins C, A, E was determined at baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention with the nutraceutical.ResultsAfter 8 weeks of supplementation the plasma carotenoids α‐carotene, β‐cryptoxanthine, and lycopene increased significantly (p&lt;0.05). β‐carotene increase almost reached significance (p=0.053). Also plasma concentrations of vitamins C, A (all‐trans retinol), and α‐tocopherol increased significantly after eight weeks of supplementation. We observed no differences between genders. For those micronutrients with known reference ranges like α‐carotene, β‐carotene, and vitamins C, E and A, all observed increases leveled off around the upper limit of the individual reference range.ConclusionThe data demonstrate that the investigated fruit‐, berry‐ and vegetable‐juice concentrate is able to increase plasma carotenoids and vitamin concentrations of healthy subjects within 8 weeks. Our observations let us assume that carotenoid‐ and vitamin‐malnourished subjects could benefit from supplementation with this whole food based nutraceutical.Support or Funding InformationThis study was funded by Green Beat, Graz, Austria

A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial of Fruit and Vegetable Concentrates on Intermediate Biomarkers in Head and Neck Cancer.

Background. Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients are at an increased risk for developing second primary tumors (SPTs). Diets rich in fruits and vegetables (FVs) may lower HNC risk. FV concentrates may offer a potential alternative to increasing FV intake. Methods. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate whether Juice PLUS+ (JP; a commercial product with multiple FV concentrates) has an effect on p27 and Ki-67, biomarkers associated with the risk of SPTs. During 2004-2008, we randomized 134 HNC patients to 12 weeks of JP (n = 72) or placebo (n = 62). Oral cavity mucosal biopsies and whole blood were obtained at baseline and after 12 weeks. All participants were given the opportunity to receive JP for 5 years following the end of the intervention period, and they were followed yearly for the development of SPTs. Results. After 12 weeks, patients on JP had significantly higher serum α-carotene (P = .009), β-carotene (P < .0001), and lutein (P = .003) but did not differ significantly in p27 (P = .23) or Ki-67 (P = .95). JP use following the initial 12-week trial was not significantly associated with SPT prevention. Conclusions. Despite increased serum micronutrient levels, our results do not suggest a clinical benefit of JP in HNC patients. Future studies should focus on longer intervention periods and/or modified supplement formulations with demonstrated chemopreventive properties.

Analysis of Dental Enamel Surface Submitted to Fruit Juice Plus Soymilk by Micro X-Ray Fluorescence: In Vitro Study.

Objective. This paper aimed to analyze the in vitro industrialized fruit juices effect plus soy to establish the erosive potential of these solutions. Materials and Methods. Seventy bovine incisors were selected after being evaluated under stereomicroscope. Their crowns were prepared and randomly divided into 7 groups, using microhardness with allocation criteria. The crowns were submitted to the fruit juice plus soy during 15 days, twice a day. The pH values, acid titration, and Knoop microhardness were recorded and the specimens were evaluated using X-ray microfluorescence (µXRF). Results. The pH average for all juices and after 3 days was significantly below the critical value for dental erosion. In average, the pH value decreases 14% comparing initial time and pH after 3 days. Comparing before and after, there was a 49% microhardness decrease measured in groups (p < 0.05). Groups G1, G2, G5, and G6 are above this average. The analysis by μXRF showed a decrease of approximately 7% Ca and 4% P on bovine crowns surface. Florida (FL) statistical analysis showed a statistically significant 1 difference between groups. Thus, a tooth chance to suffer demineralization due to industrialized fruit juices plus soy is real.

Bayesan Network confirms the beneficial effects of nutraceutical supplementations (Juice Plus+®) on heavy smokers (LB413)

Evaluating the possible link between nutraceuticals and health is a key goal in nutritional field. This study aimed at understanding the complex effects of some biomarker activities of the retail p...

An Encapsulated Juice Powder Concentrate Improves Markers of Pulmonary Function and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Heavy Smokers

Objective: Cigarette smoking is associated with reduced pulmonary function and increased risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study evaluated the effects of two different combinations of mixed fruit and vegetable juice powder concentrate (Juice Plus+, NSA, Collierville, TN) on heavy smokers. Methods: At baseline (T 0) and after 3 months’ supplementation (T 1), pulmonary function parameters and cardiovascular risk factors—that is, plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) with related B vitamins and cysteine (tCys) concentrations—were assessed in 75 apparently healthy smokers (aged 49.2 ± 10.6 years, >20 cigarettes/d, duration ≥10 years) randomized into 3 groups: placebo (P), fruit/vegetable (FV) and fruit/vegetable/berry (FVB). Results: T 0: most smokers showed abnormalities in tHcy and tCys concentrations. T 1: respiratory function was unchanged in P and slightly, but not significantly, improved in FV, whereas FVB showed a significant improvement in forced expiratory flow at 25% (FEF25; p < 0.0001 vs P and FV) and significant improvement in CO diffusion lung/alveolar volume (DLCO/VA). FV and FVB (50%) showed significant reduction in tHcy and tCys compared to T 0 ( p < 0.0001) and P ( p < 0.0001). Conclusions: At T 1, both supplemented groups, but to a greater extent the FVB group, showed improvements in some pulmonary parameters, cardiovascular risk factors, and folate status. The beneficial effects of Juice Plus+ supplementation could potentially help smokers, even if smoking cessation is advisable.

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

Background/Aim: Microcirculation in the dermis of the skin is important for nutrient delivery to this tissue. In this study, the effects of a micronutrient concentrate (Juice Plus+®; ‘active group’), composed primarily of fruit and vegetable juice powder, on skin microcirculation and structure were compared to placebo. Study Design/Methods: This 12-week study had a monocentric, double-blind placebo and randomized controlled design with two treatment groups consisting of 26 healthy middle-aged women each. The ‘oxygen to see’ device was used to evaluate microcirculation. Skin density and thickness were measured using ultrasound. Measurements for skin hydration (Corneometer®), transepidermal water loss and serum analysis for carotenoids and α-tocopherol were also performed. Results: By 12 weeks, microcirculation of the superficial plexus increased by 39%. Furthermore, skin hydration increased by 9% while skin thickness increased by 6% and skin density by 16% in the active group. In the placebo group, microcirculation decreased, and a slight increase in skin density was observed. Conclusion: Ingestion of a fruit- and vegetable-based concentrate increases microcirculation of the skin at 12 weeks of intervention and positively affects skin hydration, density and thickness.

Effects of a Fruit/Berry/Vegetable Supplement on Muscle Function and Oxidative Stress

This study tested the effectiveness of a fruit, berry, and vegetable concentrate (FVC), Juice Plus+® (NSA LLC, Collierville, TN), supplement on muscle function and oxidative stress in response to an acute bout of eccentric exercise (EE). Forty-one healthy volunteers (age = 18-35 yr) were randomly assigned to either a placebo (P) or an FVC treatment taking capsules for 28 d (6 d(-1)) before EE and for the next 4 d. All subjects completed four sets of 12 repetitions of eccentric elbow flexion with their nondominant arm. Blood, muscle soreness (MS), range of motion (ROM), and maximal isometric force (MIF) of the elbow flexors were obtained before and immediately after exercise and at 2, 6, 24, 48, and 72 h postexercise. Plasma was analyzed for creatine kinase (CK), lipid hydroperoxides, malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyls (PC). Glutathione ratio was determined from whole-blood extracts. MS, ROM, MIF, and plasma CK demonstrated significant time effects independent of treatment. MS and plasma CK increased over time, whereas ROM and MIF decreased over time. There was a significant time and time × treatment effect for plasma PC and MDA. PC and MDA increased over time in the P group (P < 0.01) but were not significantly altered in the FVC-treated group at any time. No significant changes were noted in lipid hydroperoxides. The glutathione ratio was elevated immediately postexercise in both groups (P < 0.01) and elevated 6 h postexercise with P compared with the FVC-treated group (P < 0.05). This study reports that 4 wk of pretreatment with an FVC can attenuate blood oxidative stress markers induced by EE but had no significant impact on the functional changes related to pain and muscle damage.

Reduction of common cold symptoms by encapsulated juice powder concentrate of fruits and vegetables: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Dietary supplements have been suggested in the prevention of the common cold, but previous investigations have been inconsistent. The present study was designed to determine the preventive effect of a dietary supplement from fruits and vegetables on common cold symptoms. In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, healthcare professionals (mainly nursing staff aged 18–65 years) from a university hospital in Berlin, Germany, were randomised to four capsules of dietary supplement (Juice Plus+®) or matching placebo daily for 8 months, including a 2-month run-in period. The number of days with moderate or severe common cold symptoms within 6 months (primary outcome) was assessed by diary self-reports. We determined means and 95 % CI, and differences between the two groups were analysed by ANOVA. A total of 529 subjects were included into the primary analysis (Juice Plus+®: 263, placebo: 266). The mean age of the participants was 39·9 (sd 10·3) years, and 80 % of the participants were female. The mean number of days with moderate or severe common cold symptoms was 7·6 (95 % CI 6·5, 8·8) in the Juice Plus+® group and 9·5 (8·4, 10·6) in the placebo group (P = 0·023). The mean number of total days with any common cold symptoms was similar in the Juice Plus+® and in the placebo groups (29·4 (25·8, 33·0) v. 30·7 (27·1, 34·3), P = 0·616). Intake of a dietary supplement from fruits and vegetables was associated with a 20 % reduction of moderate or severe common cold symptom days in healthcare professionals particularly exposed to patient contact.

Preliminary results from The Ovarian Nutrition Education (ONE) study

Guidelines for cancer prevention suggest that a diet high in fruit and vegetables and low in animal protein is associated with a reduction of risk for most cancers and may improve cancer survival. The aim of this study was to determine if fruit/vegetable concentrate supplementation is associated with similar improvements in plasma biomarkers and anthropometric indicators than a diet high in fiber and low in fat among a sample of ovarian cancer survivors. Initially there were a total of 52 women (85% White; Mean age = 53 years) participants with an adherence rate of roughly 73%. Twenty‐seven women were randomized to Juice Plus diet and 24 were randomized to the WHEL study diet. Mixed‐effects regression models revealed that there were no significant between‐group changes in anthropometric measures (i.e., BMI, weight, hip, waist, upper arm) (all p &gt; 0.05), whereas, significant between‐group differences were observed for improvements in Serum Albumin and TIBC levels (all p &lt; 0.05). Near significant between‐group differences were observed for vitamin B12 (p &lt; 0.10). These improvements were observed among Juice Plus participants. More research is needed to determine if the improvements observed by Juice Plus participants translates into meaningful clinical outcomes such as reductions in recurrence and survival. Support: NSA (TN, USA)

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)

Attenuation of common cold symptoms by encapsulated juice powder concentrate

IntroductionDietary supplements have been suggested as preventive strategies for common cold, but previous results were inconsistent. This study aimed to assess the effect of a dietary supplement from fruits and vegetables on common cold symptoms in healthy healthcare professionals.MethodsThis was a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial. Subjects were taking four capsules of dietary supplement (Juice Plus+®) or matching placebo daily for eight months, including a two month run‐in period. We report means and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the number of days with at least moderate common cold symptoms (primary endpoint) and number of days with any common cold symptoms. Differences between groups are analyzed with ANOVA.ResultsA total of 543 subjects were included, with 529 valid for primary analysis (intervention: 263, placebo: 266). The mean number of days with at least moderate common cold symptoms was 7.6 (95% CI 6.5–8.8) in the intervention and 9.5 (8.4–10.6) in the placebo group (P=0.023). The mean number of days with any common cold symptoms was 29.4 (25.8–33.0) in the intervention and 30.7 (27.1–34.3) in the placebo group (P=0.616).ConclusionIntake of a dietary supplement from fruits and vegetables was associated with a reduction of moderate or severe common cold symptoms, but not with a reduction of total days with common cold symptoms.Research support: NSA (TN, USA)

SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN HOMOCYSTEINE AND ox‐LDL IN HEALTHY HEAVY SMOKERS AFTER NUTRACEUTICAL SUPPLEMENTATION

Nutraceuticals may attenuate some negative effects of cigarette smoking. We evaluated effects of two different encapsulated formulas, consisting primarily of mixed juice powder concentrate (Juice Plus+®), in a randomized placebo controlled, double‐blind study on 101 heavy smokers (&gt;20 cigarettes/d, duration ≥10y, median age 47; 41–57 y, 63 M, mean capsule compliance 85.2%). Smokers were divided into 3 groups: A‐placebo, B‐fruit/vegetable, C‐fruit/vegetable/berry. Serum and erythrocyte folate (s‐fol and ery‐fol, respectively) and total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations were measured before and after 3‐m supplementation. In 75 (46 M) compliant (&gt;95%) subjects, lipid panel parameters (total Cholesterol, tChol; LDL‐c; oxidized‐LDL, ox‐LDL) were evaluated. Median values were compared (t‐test for paired data); data are reported as mean delta values (± standard deviation). Intervention with both nutraceutical formulations resulted in reduction in ox‐LDL and tHcy compared to placebo.Support: NSA, Collierville, TN A (placebo) B (fruit/veg) C (fruit/veg/berry) tChol (mg/dL) 9.3 (±18.4) −11.6 (±22.9)* −6.3 (±25.5)* LDL‐c (mg/dL) 16.8 (±17.6) −8.1 (±17.9)* −0.8 (±20.5)* ox‐LDL (U/L) −2.3 (±11.3) −13.8 (±12.5)* −11.2 (±12.2)* tHcy (μM) −0.14 (±1.4) −2.38 (±2.3)# −3.20 (±5.2)# s‐fol (nM) 2.8 (±5.5) 13.7 (±9.9)# 16.6 (±9)# ery‐fol (nM) 194 (±178.3) 488.2 (±349)# 646.3 (±362.1)#

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).