Orange Juice Intake Research Articles

Providing Oral Nutrition to Women in Labor: American College of Nurse-Midwives.

Historically, oral intake for women during labor has been limited to nothing by mouth or clear liquids only. These restrictions are based on the risk of aspiration during or after the administration of general anesthesia. While aspiration can be life threatening, older methods of anesthesia are rarely used in current intrapartum care, and evidence is inconclusive that withholding oral nutrition reduces the risk of gastric aspiration. Additionally, withholding oral nutrition may result in the development of ketosis and may potentially contribute to a woman's stress and dissatisfaction with the birth experience. The purpose of this Clinical Bulletin is to review the evidence related to this practice and provide recommendations to promote informed, shared decision making regarding oral intake during labor with women at low risk for gastric aspiration.

Hydration Potential of Commonly Consumed Drinks in an Office-Working Environment

Several factors are known to influence the hydration potential of drinks such as: volume ingested, ingestion rate, macronutrient composition, water content, electrolyte and caffeine content. However, relatively little is known about the impact of fluid composition on fluid balance during normal daily living/office working situations. PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of 4 different commonly consumed drinks on urine output and net fluid balance over 3 hours in office-workers. METHODS: Twenty-three participants (euhydrated, males (n=7) and females (n=16), age: mean(SD) males 31.3(10.4) y; females 33.1(9.8) y, BMI: males 29.9(4.4); females 27.4 (3.7), arrived at work in a euhydrated state. After emptying their bladder and recording body mass they ingested 1 L of fluid over the following hour as either water, coffee, orange juice or semi-skimmed milk. Energy content of the drinks was 0 kcals/L (water), 4 kcals/L (coffee), 470 kcals/L (orange juice) and 500 kcals/L (milk). Urine output was collected immediately, and each hour for 2 hours, following fluid ingestion for volume and electrolyte analysis. On completion a final body mass was obtained. RESULTS: Mean(SD) total urine mass loss over 2 hours for still water was 1007(108) g and was significantly different to milk 797(181) g (P<0.05). Urine losses with orange juice (953(246) g) and coffee (1067(164) g) were not different to water, but coffee was also different to milk (p<0.05). Net fluid balance was positive at 2 h after milk ingestion (+203(181) ml) and was significantly different (p<0.05) from water (-7(108) ml) and coffee (-67(164) ml) but not different from orange juice (+48(246) ml). Net Na+ balance was significantly different from water (-495(207) mg) after ingestion of orange juice (-973(298) mg) and milk (-295(253) mg). Net K+ balance was significantly different from water (-315(64) mg), after ingestion of orange juice (+576(171) mg) and milk (+901(118) mg). CONCLUSIONS: A variety of drinks can be ingested during normal daily living/working to help maintain fluid balance. Ingestion of milk led to a reduced urine output compared with the other drinks, most likely due to its electrolyte content and casein protein content. The retention of fluid volume following milk ingestion may be important in situations where frequent work breaks need to be avoided.

Normal or High Polyphenol Concentration in Orange Juice Affects Antioxidant Activity, Blood Pressure, and Body Weight in Obese or Overweight Adults1–4

Background: The consumption of orange juice may lead to reduced oxidative stress and may enhance the antioxidant defense system.Objective: The aim was to evaluate the effects of the intake of orange juice containing either normal (NPJ) or high (HPJ) concentrations of polyphenols (299 and 745 mg/d, respectively) on the antioxidant defense system, oxidative stress biomarkers, and clinical signs of metabolic syndrome in 100 nonsmoking subjects who were either overweight or obese.Methods: A randomized, double-blind crossover study was conducted over two 12-wk periods with a 7-wk washout period. The effects on enzymatic and nonenzymatic blood antioxidant defense systems, urinary and plasma oxidative stress biomarkers, and clinical signs of metabolic syndrome were evaluated before and after an intervention with both of the orange juices. Paired t tests and linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the effects of juice, time, and interactions.Results: The intake of either NPJ or HPJ led to a decrease in urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (NPJ: 935 ± 134 to 298 ± 19 ng/mg creatinine; HPJ: 749 ± 84 to 285 ± 17 ng/mg creatinine), 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (NPJ: 437 ± 68 to 156 ± 14 ng/mg creatinine; HPJ: 347 ± 43 to 154 ± 13 ng/mg creatinine), erythrocyte catalase, and glutathione reductase activities. A decrease was also observed in body mass index, waist circumference, and leptin (all P < 0.05). The NPJ intervention decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressures (systolic blood pressure: 128 ± 1 to 124 ± 2 mm Hg; diastolic blood pressure: 79 ± 1 to 76 ± 1 mm Hg), whereas the HPJ intervention increased erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (17.7 ± 1.5 to 23.1 ± 1.7 U/mg hemoglobin).Conclusions: Our results show that the consumption of either NPJ or HPJ protected against DNA damage and lipid peroxidation, modified several antioxidant enzymes, and reduced body weight in overweight or obese nonsmoking adults. Only blood pressure and SOD activity were influenced differently by the different flavanone supplementations. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01290250.

Orange juice–derived flavanone and phenolic metabolites do not acutely affect cardiovascular risk biomarkers: a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial in men at moderate risk of cardiovascular disease

Background: Epidemiologic data suggest inverse associations between citrus flavanone intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, insufficient randomized controlled trial data limit our understanding of the mechanisms by which flavanones and their metabolites potentially reduce cardiovascular risk factors.Objective: We examined the effects of orange juice or a dose-matched hesperidin supplement on plasma concentrations of established and novel flavanone metabolites and their effects on cardiovascular risk biomarkers in men at moderate CVD risk.Design: In an acute, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial, 16 fasted participants (aged 51–69 y) received orange juice or a hesperidin supplement (both providing 320 mg hesperidin) or control (all matched for sugar and vitamin C content). At baseline and 5 h postintake, endothelial function (primary outcome), blood pressure, arterial stiffness, cardiac autonomic function, platelet activation, and NADPH oxidase gene expression and plasma flavanone metabolites were assessed. Before each intervention, a diet low in flavonoids, nitrate/nitrite, alcohol, and caffeine was followed, and a standardized low-flavonoid evening meal was consumed.Results: Orange juice intake significantly elevated mean ± SEM plasma concentrations of 8 flavanone (1.75 ± 0.35 μmol/L, P < 0.0001) and 15 phenolic (13.27 ± 2.22 μmol/L, P < 0.0001) metabolites compared with control at 5 h postconsumption. Despite increased plasma flavanone and phenolic metabolite concentrations, cardiovascular risk biomarkers were unaltered. After hesperidin supplement intake, flavanone metabolites were not different from the control, suggesting altered absorption/metabolism compared with the orange juice matrix.Conclusions: After single-dose flavanone intake within orange juice, circulating flavanone and phenolic metabolites collectively reached a concentration of 15.20 ± 2.15 μmol/L, but no effects were observed on cardiovascular risk biomarkers. Longer-duration randomized controlled trials are required to examine previous associations between higher flavanone intakes and improved cardiovascular health and to ascertain the relative importance of food matrix and flavanone-derived phenolic metabolites. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01530893.

Chronic administration of a microencapsulated probiotic enhances the bioavailability of orange juice flavanones in humans

Orange juice (OJ) flavanones are bioactive polyphenols that are absorbed principally in the large intestine. Ingestion of probiotics has been associated with favorable changes in the colonic microflora. The present study examined the acute and chronic effects of orally administered Bifidobacterium longum R0175 on the colonic microflora and bioavailability of OJ flavanones in healthy volunteers. In an acute study volunteers drank OJ with and without the microencapsulated probiotic, whereas the chronic effects were examined when OJ was consumed after daily supplementation with the probiotic over 4 weeks. Bioavailability, assessed by 0–24h urinary excretion, was similar when OJ was consumed with and without acute probiotic intake. Hesperetin-O-glucuronides, naringenin-O-glucuronides, and hesperetin-3′-O-sulfate were the main urinary flavanone metabolites. The overall urinary excretion of these metabolites after OJ ingestion and acute probiotic intake corresponded to 22% of intake, whereas excretion of key colon-derived phenolic and aromatic acids was equivalent to 21% of the ingested OJ (poly)phenols. Acute OJ consumption after chronic probiotic intake over 4 weeks resulted in the excretion of 27% of flavanone intake, and excretion of selected phenolic acids also increased significantly to 43% of (poly)phenol intake, corresponding to an overall bioavailability of 70%. Neither the probiotic bacterial profiles of stools nor the stool moisture, weight, pH, or levels of short-chain fatty acids and phenols differed significantly between treatments. These findings highlight the positive effect of chronic, but not acute, intake of microencapsulated B. longum R0175 on the bioavailability of OJ flavanones.

Marked antioxidant effect of orange juice intake and its phytomicronutrients in a preliminary randomized cross-over trial on mild hypercholesterolemic men

Blond orange juice is the most consumed fruit juice in the world. It is a source of hesperidin, a bioavailable flavonoid reported to exhibit potential vascular protective actions. However, the specific impact on vascular function of Citrus phytomicronutrients, is unknown. For the first time, we investigated the effects of blond orange juice compared with a control beverage mimicking the composition of orange juice (including Vitamin C but no phytomicronutrients), on antioxidant markers, cardiovascular risk factors and endothelial function. Twenty five male volunteers with two cardiovascular risk factors (age over 50 years and LDL-cholesterol between 130 and 190mg/L) were enrolled in a randomized cross-over study. They received 3 times daily 200mL of either blond orange juice or control beverage for 4 weeks, spaced by a 5-week wash-out. Endothelial function (flow mediated dilatation and plasma markers), oxidative status, lipid profile and inflammatory markers were assessed. Daily intakes of orange juice significantly led to a marked antioxidant effect which was correlated to hesperetin plasma levels and related with a decrease in reactive oxygen species. A tendency towards reduction of endothelial dysfunction and modest increase in plasma apoA-I concentration were also observed. This allows further experiments demonstrating the specific effect of phytomicronutrients from orange juice. These findings suggest that daily intake of nutritionally relevant dose of blond orange juice may contribute for a significant antioxidant effect through the phytochemicals contained in. Orange juice may be associated to other healthy foods to achieve a significant effect on the vascular function. This study is recorded in ClinicalTrials.com as NCT00539916.

Orange juice intake during a fatty meal consumption reduces the postprandial low-grade inflammatory response in healthy subjects

Background and AimsEvidence associates polyphenol-rich foods to reduction of low-grade inflammation and mortality for cardiovascular disease, the mechanisms underlying such effects being still unclear. Consumption of a fatty meal by healthy volunteers induces rapid and reversible low-grade inflammation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of orange juice on cellular modifications induced by a fatty meal. Methods and Results18 apparently healthy subjects consumed a fatty meal, during which they drunk orange juice, either blond or red, or water, according to a randomized cross-over design. Two hours after the end of the fatty meal, both white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts significantly increased (12.5 and 5 %, respectively), while mean platelet volume decreased and a 25% release of myeloperoxidase (MPO) from polymorphonuclear leukocyte occurred. Both juices significantly prevented WBC increase and MPO degranulation, in respect to control. Triglycerides significantly increased (42%) after the fatty meal, but at a lower extent when red orange juice was consumed with the meal (20%), in respect to blond orange juice or control. This effect was statistically significant in the subgroup of 8 subjects with hypertriglyceridemia. Vascular stiffness (augmentation index), measured by Endo-PAT2000, significantly decreased after the meal only in conjunction with red orange juice. ConclusionIn healthy subjects the concomitant intake of orange juice may prevent the low-grade inflammatory reaction induced by a fatty meal, at cellular and possibly at vascular function levels. The relative role of different polyphenols on the observed effects of orange juices remains to be established.

Orange juice (poly)phenols are highly bioavailable in humans

We assessed the bioavailability of orange juice (poly)phenols by monitoring urinary flavanone metabolites and ring fission catabolites produced by the action of the colonic microbiota. Our objective was to identify and quantify metabolites and catabolites excreted in urine 0-24 h after the acute ingestion of a (poly)phenol-rich orange juice by 12 volunteers. Twelve volunteers [6 men and 6 women; body mass index (in kg/m(2)): 23.9-37.2] consumed a low (poly)phenol diet for 2 d before first drinking 250 mL pulp-enriched orange juice, which contained 584 μmol (poly)phenols of which 537 μmol were flavanones, and after a 2-wk washout, the procedure was repeated, and a placebo drink was consumed. Urine collected for a 24-h period was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively by using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 14 metabolites were identified and quantified in urine by using HPLC-MS after orange juice intake. Hesperetin-O-glucuronides, naringenin-O-glucuronides, and hesperetin-3'-O-sulfate were the main metabolites. The overall urinary excretion of flavanone metabolites corresponded to 16% of the intake of 584 μmol (poly)phenols. The GC-MS analysis revealed that 8 urinary catabolites were also excreted in significantly higher quantities after orange juice consumption. These catabolites were 3-(3'-methoxy-4'-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid, 3-(3'-hydroxy-4'-methoxyphenyl)propionic acid, 3-(3'-hydroxy-4'-methoxyphenyl)hydracrylic acid, 3-(3'-hydroxyphenyl)hydracrylic acid, 3'-methoxy-4'-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, hippuric acid, 3'-hydroxyhippuric acid, and 4'-hydroxyhippuric acid. These aromatic acids originated from the colonic microbiota-mediated breakdown of orange juice (poly)phenols and were excreted in amounts equivalent to 88% of (poly)phenol intake. When combined with the 16% excretion of metabolites, this percentage raised the overall urinary excretion to ∼ 100% of intake. When colon-derived phenolic catabolites are included with flavanone glucuronide and sulfate metabolites, orange juice (poly)phenols are much-more bioavailable than previously envisaged. In vitro and ex vivo studies on mechanisms underlying the potential protective effects of orange juice consumption should use in vivo metabolites and catabolites detected in this investigation at physiologic concentrations. The trial was registered at BioMed Central Ltd (www.controlledtrials.com) as ISRCTN04271658.

Orange juice intake reduces patient discomfort and is effective for bowel cleansing with polyethylene glycol during bowel preparation.

Many patients report discomfort because of the unpleasant taste of bowel preparation solutions. This study aimed to determine whether adding orange juice to 2 L of polyethylene glycol plus ascorbic acid is effective for reducing patient discomfort and improving palatability during bowel preparation. This was a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. The study was conducted at a tertiary referral hospital and a generalized hospital. Consecutive outpatients and inpatients were randomly allocated to drink 2 L of polyethylene glycol-ascorbic acid or 2 L of polyethylene glycol-ascorbic acid with orange juice in a single dose or a split dose. Tolerability, palatability score, willingness, and related adverse events were investigated by questionnaires. Bowel cleansing was rated using the Aronchick scale. Each score was graded on a 5-point scale. A total of 107 patients, 53 in the orange juice group and 54 in the polyethylene glycol-ascorbic acid group who underwent elective colonoscopy were enrolled. The palatability score (mean ± SD) was higher in the orange juice group than in the control group (2.36 ± 0.76 vs 1.78 ± 0.88; p = 0.005). Nausea was less frequent in the orange juice group (26.4% vs 59.3%; p = 0.001). Total amount of bowel preparation ingested was not significantly different between the groups (p = 0.44). The bowel preparation score (mean ± SD) was not significantly different (1.49 ± 0.80 vs 1.43 ± 0.77; p = 0.94). Willingness to repeat the same process was higher in the orange juice group (90.4% vs 66.7%; p = 0.003). This study is limited because only ambulatory patients were enrolled. Orange juice intake before drinking 2 L of polyethylene glycol-ascorbic acid for colonoscopy can reduce patient discomfort, resulting in improved acceptability and patient compliance. This method is as effective for bowel cleansing as polyethylene glycol.

High-Fiber Orange Juice as a Nutrition Supplement in Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Tolerance and Effectiveness.

The daily consumption of dietary fiber is frequently below suggested recommendations. Using a double-blind, controlled, randomized study, we assessed the efficiency and tolerance of a fiber-enriched orange juice to supplement fiber intake in women. After 1 week of noninterventional observation, 192 healthy adult women ingested 400 mL of orange juice for 21 days, which either was not (placebo group) or was enriched with fiber (fiber group). Orange juice ingestion was registered daily and controlled for each week during the study period. Macronutrient, fiber, and energy intake were determined using a 3-day food record, validated food chemical composition databases, and the "Pro Diet" software. Gastrointestinal symptoms were self-evaluated daily by scoring 4 grades of symptom intensity and using a visual analog scale to grade pain severity. No changes were observed for macronutrient and energy ingestion. For the placebo group (n = 97), the total fiber intake record was under the daily recommended value. In contrast, the fiber group (n = 95) displayed higher comparative values of total and soluble fiber consumption (P ≤ .001), achieving the daily recommended values of fiber intake. Both groups reported an increased frequency of slight bloating and rumbles over time (P ≤ .05). The fiber group also experienced a higher frequency of slight flatulence over time (P = .002). Consumption of fiber-enriched orange juice was efficient to achieve the daily fiber intake recommendation for women, was not accompanied by intense adverse events, and may represent a suitable method to supplement fiber intake in woman.

Effect of fresh orange juice intake on physiological characteristics in healthy volunteers.

Background. Impaired endothelial function is a predictor of cardiovascular events. Orange juice (OJ) is rich in dietary flavonoids and could inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. We examined the effects of commercial (COJ) and fresh orange juice (FOJ) on endothelial function and physiological characteristics in healthy humans. Materials and Methods. Twenty-two healthy volunteers years were enrolled in a single blind randomized crossover controlled trial. The two groups consumed either COJ for the first 4 weeks and then FOJ (CFOJ, 4 weeks), or FOJ for the first 4 weeks and then COJ (FCOJ, 4 weeks). We assessed endothelial function by measuring flow-mediated dilation, serum concentrations of lipids, apolipoproteins A and B (apo A-1 and apo B), and inflammatory markers such as vascular endothelial adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), E-selectin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and interleukin-6. Results. Consumption of both juices decreased VCAM, hs-CRP, and E-selectin but increased apo A-1. A decline in LDL occurred in the FOJ group. There were no differences between the characteristics of two groups, with the exception of apo A-1 levels that were increased with both forms of OJ. The largest variations occurred with hs-CRP, VCAM in both groups. Conclusion. Consumption of COJ and FOJ produced beneficial effects on the physiological characteristics of healthy volunteers. Although these results could encourage the consumption of OJ, intervention studies are needed to determine the long-term effects of these types of OJ on metabolic and cardiovascular endpoints.

A Pilot Study on Effects of Thai Orange Juice on Oxidative Stress, Neutrophil Function and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

This study aimed to investigate the effects of orange juice on oxidative stress, neutrophil functions and cardiovascular disease risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes. Fifteen patients with type 2 diabetes with haemoglobin A1c = 8.5% ingested 500 ml of orange juice every day for 4 weeks. Only plasma vitamin C was significantly increased (0.783 ± 0.09 vs 0.844 ± 0.09 mg/dL, p <0.05) and superoxide dismutase was tended to increase (46.8 ± 1.44 vs 48 ± 1.45 U/mL, p =0.06) after the orange juice intake. The slope of correlation between phagocytic activities and percentages of oxidative burst in patients who had taken orange juice was higher than before the ingestion. The findings suggest that the ingestion of orange juice increased vitamin C although it did not change the level of oxidant, neutrophil function and cardiovascular disease risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes. This is a pilot study which needs to be further investigated.

Both red and blond orange juice intake decreases the procoagulant activity of whole blood in healthy volunteers

Numerous epidemiological studies suggest that exposure to flavonoid-rich fruits has beneficial influence on risk factors for cardiovascular disease. We investigated whether intake of orange juice (OJ) could affect whole blood (WB) procoagulant activity. 17 healthy subjects (aged 31 ± 1.5 SEM 10 males) were randomized to receive, according to a cross-over design, either red or blond OJ, enriched or free of anthocyanins, respectively. After one week run-in period on a controlled diet, the subjects were randomly allocated to receive either type of OJ for 4 weeks, with a 4-week wash-out period. Venous blood was collected on citrate before and at the end of each treatment period. WB was incubated with or without an inflammatory stimulus (tumor necrosis factor-α or bacterial endotoxin LPS). Procoagulant activity was evaluated by a one-stage clotting assay. Tissue factor (TF) and TF pathway inhibitor (TFPI) were measured in plasma by ELISA. Intake of either type of OJ caused a prolongation of unstimulated and stimulated WB clotting times, without any difference between the two treatments. Intake of OJ did not modify TF levels. On the contrary, an increase in circulating TFPI antigen was detected following either treatment. Orange juice intake by healthy volunteers decreases procoagulant activity, possibly through mechanisms independent of its anthocyanin content.

Orange juice and hesperidin promote differential innate immune response in macrophages ex vivo.

The purpose of this study was to verify the immune response induced by intake of orange juice or hesperidin on macrophages through the secretion of cytokines and nitric oxide. Mice were divided in three groups treated orally with orange juice, hesperidin, or control for 2 weeks. Ex vivo macrophages from all groups of mice were cultured with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimuli, and the levels of nitric oxide (NO) and of the cytokines IL-10, IL-12, and TNF-alpha were evaluated. Macrophages of non-LPS-stimulated, orange juice treatment increased IL-12 levels by 143 % and the other cytokines and NO levels were unchanged. Hesperidin treatment increased IL-12 levels by 72 % and strongly decreased the NO secretion. For LPS-stimulated macrophages the orange juice (OJ) treatment decreased TNF-alpha secretion by 100 % and did not alter other cytokines, while NO levels increased 41 %. Hesperidin treatment decreased NO, IL-10, IL-12, and TNF-alpha levels by 56 %, 47 %, 29 %, and 63 %, respectively. In conclusion, OJ and hesperidin showed different immune responses, suggesting that hesperidin displays a suppressive effect on inflammation generated by LPS, while OJ seems to enhance the functions of macrophages associated with antimicrobial activity.

Alcohol Consumption Decreases the Protection Efficiency of the Antioxidant Network and Increases the Risk of Sunburn in Human Skin

In recent years, epidemiological data has demonstrated that alcohol consumption is a risk factor for sunburn, melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer. We hypothesized that if the concentration of the antioxidants in the skin has already decreased due to alcohol consumption, then an adequate neutralization of the free radicals induced by ultraviolet light cannot be performed. Based on this hypothesis, we determined the carotenoid concentration in the skin and the minimal erythema dose (MED) of 6 male human volunteers before and after consumption of alcohol or alcohol and orange juice combined. The results showed a significant decrease in the carotenoid concentration in the skin and the MED after alcohol consumption, but no significant decrease after a combined intake of alcohol and orange juice.

Clinical Study Monitoring the pH on Tooth Surfaces in Patients with and without Erosion

The aim of this study was to compare tooth surface pH after drinking orange juice or water in 39 patients with dental erosion and in 17 controls. The following investigations were carried out: measurement of pH values on selected tooth surfaces after ingestion of orange juice followed by ingestion of water (acid clearance), measurement of salivary flow rate and buffering capacity. Compared with the controls, patients with erosion showed significantly greater decreases in pH after drinking orange juice, and the pH stayed lower for a longer period of time (p < 0.05). Saliva parameters showed no significant differences between the two patient groups except for a lower buffering capacity at pH 5.5 in the erosion group.

Effects of red orange juice intake on endothelial function and inflammatory markers in adult subjects with increased cardiovascular risk

Oxidative and inflammatory stresses are involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The consumption of fruit and vegetables is associated with improved health and reduced cardiovascular risk. Red oranges have a high content of antioxidant and antiinflammatory substances, but there is a paucity of data concerning their effects on cardiovascular biomarkers in subjects with increased cardiovascular risk. We investigated the effect of red orange juice intake on endothelial function, oxidative stress, and markers of inflammation in subjects with increased cardiovascular risk. Nineteen nondiabetic subjects with increased cardiovascular risk (aged 27-56 y) were included in a randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blind crossover study and compared with 12 healthy, nonobese control subjects. In 2 periods of 7 d each with a 3-d interval, each participant alternatively received 500 mL red orange juice/d and 500 mL placebo/d in a random sequence. All measurements were performed in the morning after overnight fasting. Endothelial function, which was measured as flow-mediated dilation, significantly improved and was normalized (5.7% compared with 7.9%; P < 0.005) after 1 wk of red orange juice consumption. Similarly, concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, IL-6, and TNF-α significantly decreased (P < 0.001). Red orange juice had no significant effect on nitric oxide plasma concentrations. A 7-d consumption of red orange juice ameliorates endothelial function and reduces inflammation in nondiabetic subjects with increased cardiovascular risk. This trial was registered at biomedcentral.com as ISRCTN39987296.

Orange Juice and Its Component, Hesperidin, Decrease the Expression of Multidrug Resistance‐Associated Protein 2 in Rat Small Intestine and Liver

We investigated the effects of orange juice (OJ) or hesperidin, a component of OJ, on the pharmacokinetics of pravastatin (PRV) and the expression of both protein and mRNA of multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2) in the rat small intestine and liver. Eight-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. OJ or a 0.079% hesperidin suspension was administered orally for 2 days. Tap water was given as a control. A single dose of PRV at 100 mg/kg p.o. was administered after 2 days of OJ, hesperidin, or tap water ingestion. The AUC, Cmax, and t1/2 values of PRV were significantly increased in OJ group. Mrp2 protein and mRNA levels in the small intestine and liver, respectively, were significantly decreased after the ingestion of OJ. The same results were obtained with hesperidin. These results suggest that the changes in PRV pharmacokinetic parameters and the decrease in Mrp2 expression caused by OJ are due to hesperidin in the juice.

Greater Consumption of Sweetened Beverages and Added Sugars Is Associated with Obesity among US Young Adults

Background/Aims: This study sought to examine the associations of the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and of added sugars with total and abdominal obesity in American adults aged 20–39 years who participated in the 1999–2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the U.S. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study based on a sample of 947 adults (aged 20–39 years): 424 non-Hispanic whites, 222 non-Hispanic blacks, and 301 Mexican-Americans. Obesity was defined as a body mass index ≧30 and abdominal obesity as a waist circumference >102 cm in men or >88 cm in women. The use of sweetened beverages and added sugars was stratified into quartiles of intake. Odds ratios (ORs) for total and abdominal obesity were estimated with logistic regression models. Results: Compared to the lowest intake quartile of sweetened beverages, those with the highest intake had a higher intake of energy, added sugars, and carbohydrates, as well as a lower intake of fiber, orange juice, and low-fat milk. A greater intake of sweetened beverages was associated with a higher risk of total and abdominal obesity (p_trend <0.02 for both). The adjusted ORs comparing 2 extreme quartiles of sweetened beverages were 2.1 (95% CI 1.2–3.7) for total obesity and 2.0 (95% CI 1.1–3.6) for abdominal obesity. Conclusions: An increased consumption of sweetened beverages was associated with total and abdominal obesity in US adults aged 20–39 years. Further investigation of the potential role of sweetened beverages and other dietary components, and of the mechanisms by which these intakes contribute to weight gain, is needed to accelerate our efforts to halt or somewhat alleviate the current obesity epidemic facing the American population.

Absorption of Folic Acid and Ascorbic Acid from Nutrient Comparable Beverages

One hundred percent fruit juices can help consumers increase the nutrient content of the diet since these beverages can be naturally rich in micronutrients. Micronutrient-fortified low-calorie beverages are an important alternative to those wishing to minimize their calorie intakes. However, little is known about the bioavailability of nutrients from fortified beverages relative to 100% fruit juices. The present study examined the bioavailability of ascorbic acid (AA) and folic acid (FA) in 100% orange juice (OJ) and a low-calorie beverage fortified with these nutrients. In a within-subjects, cross-over design, 12 adult men consumed a 591 mL serving of OJ, a low-calorie beverage fortified with AA and FA, and 1% low fat milk. Participants were aged 20 to 35 y, with body mass indexes between 20 and 30 kg/m(2). Blood plasma concentrations of AA and serum concentrations of FA were assayed by serial blood draws, made at 30 min intervals for 4.5 h. Blood plasma concentration of AA was significantly greater after ingestion of the fortified beverage compared to after OJ ingestion. However, the bioavailability of AA did not significantly differ from that of OJ. Analyses of FA indicated no significant difference between fortified beverage and OJ. Consumption of both vitamin containing beverages led to higher concentrations of AA and FA than the milk control. This study showed that similar levels of AA and FA bioavailability can be attained through ingestion of 100% OJ and a fortified beverage.