Abstract: The daily consumption of fruits and vegetables is a common dietary recommendation to support good health. We hypothesized that a commercially available encapsulated fruit and vegetable juice powder concentrate (FVJC) could support functional indices of health due to increased intake of various phytonutrients. This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled investigation of 59 healthy law students who consumed either FVJC or placebo capsules for 77 days. Blood was collected on day 1, day 35, day 77 to examine the number of circulating [specific] cells, cytokine production, lymphocyte DNA damage, antioxidant status, and levels of carotenoids and vitamin C. A log of illnesses and symptoms was also kept. The FVJC group tended to have fewer total symptoms than the placebo group. By day 77 there was a 30% increase in circulating [specific]T-cells and a 40% reduction in DNA damage in lymphocytes in the FVJC group relative to the placebo group. Plasma levels of vitamin C and of Beta-Carotene, lycopene, and lutein increased significantly from baseline in the FVJC group as did plasma oxygen radical absorptive capacity (50%). Interferon-y produced by phorbol-stimulated lymphocytes was reduced 70% in the FVJC group, whereas other cytokines were unchanged relative to treatment or time. FVJC consumption during this study period resulted in increased plasma nutrients and antioxidant capacity, reduction in DNA strand breaks, and an increase in circulating [specific]T-cells.

Discussion (summary): The objective of this study was to determine whether a commercially available product could potentially provide measurable health-related benefits in the study population. Most people consume only 3 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, whereas the latest guidelines are greater than 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, depending on energy intake.

Although many phytochemicals express beneficial activities as single compounds in in-vitro and animal studies, a variety of phytochemicals such as those found in plant foods, is suspected to be more effective in the prevention of disease. The formulation of FVJC was effective in raising carotenoid levels, ascorbic acid levels, and plasma antioxidant capacity and was associated with a greater percentage of [specific]T-cells and the tendency for a reduced number of symptoms and duration of illness.

Comments: While the typical diet of most individuals in the US and around the world does not include enough fruits and vegetables, an easy solution is sought to at least help support the health and well-being of an individual who seeks to make up for the nutrients that are missing from their diet. One such solution is a fruit and vegetable juice powder concentrate that is made from many different fruits and vegetables. While not the ideal method of getting the proper nutrition, as Mother Nature intended, it is the next best thing that allows the individual an easy and effective method of getting those nutrients. The typical diet has been on a decline for decades, and this dried juice extract is at least a healthy step in the direction back to a healthy diet.

DISCLAIMER: Please consult your physician when beginning any weight loss or exercise program.