Effects of a Fruit and Vegetable-Based Nutraceutical on Biomarkers of Inflammation and Oxidative Status in the Plasma of a Healthy Population: A Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, and Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

There is scientific evidence of the positive effect of polyphenols from plant foods on inflammation and oxidative status. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether treatment with a high-polyphenolic nutraceutical reduces the plasmatic concentration of certain oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers in a healthy population. One hundred and eight subjects were selected and stratified by sex in the intervention group (n = 53) and the placebo group (n = 55). Ninety-two subjects completed the study after two 16-week treatment periods separated by a four-week washout period. The results revealed statistically significant differences in subjects treated with the polyphenolic extract compared to the placebo: A decrease in homocysteine, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL), TNF-α, sTNFR1, and C-reactive protein (CRP). The most significant decrease was observed for OxLDL (from 78.98 ± 24.48 to 69.52 ± 15.64; p < 0.05) and CRP (from 1.50 ± 0.33 to 1.39 ± 0.37; p < 0.05), both showing significant differences compared to the placebo (p < 0.001). Moreover, catecholamines increased after the administration of the product under investigation, especially in the case of dopamine (from 15.43 ± 2.66 to 19.61 ± 5.73; p < 0.05). Therefore, the consumption of a nutraceutical based on fruit and vegetables with a high polyphenol content seems to improve the parameters related to health benefits (oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers), including remarkable changes in the expression of catecholamines.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Capacity of a Fruit and Vegetable-Based Nutraceutical Measured by Urinary Oxylipin Concentration in a Healthy Population: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

“…In addition, the duration of their intervention was also considerably shorter (45 days) than that of the present study, and the product was not similar to ours. The present results observed in urine concur with those observed in previous publications on plasma parameters of oxidative stress, where reductions in oxidized LDL, CRP, TNF-1, homocysteine, TNF-and increased HDL-cholesterol were observed after consumption of the product, and they could be related to the improvements observed in cognitive function [29,32].…”

“…The tested EXT was composed of 36 types of berries, fruits and vegetables lyophilized and encapsulated powder, well detailed in the following publication [ 29 ]. The daily dose was six capsules/day, divided into three in the morning preferably fasting, and three in the middle of the afternoon with their evening meal, providing 600 mg of polyphenols, 159 mg of vitamin C, 18.7 mg of vitamin E, 6.1 mg of lutein, 2.91 mg of carotene, 1 mg of lycopene, 0.15 mg of astaxanthin and 318 µg of folate.…”

“…During the intervention, the volunteers were asked to maintain their habits and were not allowed to begin or modify any hormonal treatment, nor make any significant dietary or physical activity changes that could affect the study variables. In addition, subjects had to come in after a 12 h fasting period, and were only allowed water intake in the 3 h prior to the visit, in order to perform other complementary tests (blood samples and cognitive test) as can be found in the following publications [ 29 , 32 ].…”

“…Statistical analysis was previously described [ 29 ]. The results of the variables were presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD) at baseline and at the end of the intervention.…”

Therapeutic Efficacy of Flavonoids in Allergies: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…The development and progression of allergic diseases are related to the exacerbated inflammatory response [ 8 ]; thus, some foods and nutrients endowed with anti-inflammatory activity, such as flavonoids, can be useful in the management of these diseases [ 9 , 10 ]. Flavonoids belong to a class of plant secondary metabolites widely found in fruits and vegetables [ 11 ].…”