An in Vivo Study of the Antioxidant Potentials of a Plant Food Concentrate

Abstract

Objective: A plant food concentrate (PF) is a source of antioxidants. Its influence on antioxidant status has never been studied. The present longitudinal study investigated the antioxidant and lipidemic responses in 15 moderately hypercholesterolemic (>5.2 mmol/L) male subjects to the supplemental intakes of PF.

Methods: The participants underwent a two-week period where any previous supplemental intakes were withdrawn. This was followed by a two-week baseline period at entry (control). The baseline period was followed by taking PF concentrate (8.5 g twice daily) for two weeks followed by a washout period for two weeks. All subjects completed food frequency questionnaires at pre-supplemental (baseline) and post-PF period. Fasting heparinized and EDTA blood samples were collected at the end of each period. Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD), whole blood glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and plasma concentrations of zinc and copper, along with plasma levels of lipids, were determined.

Results: The PF supplement contributed significantly to the daily intakes of total dietary fiber. The zinc and copper-dependent SOD but not GPX activity were significantly elevated. The total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations in the plasma were significantly decreased while the ratio of HDL/LDL cholesterol was increased post-PF intake.

Conclusions: These results indicate that the antioxidant and cholesterol status of moderately hypercholesterolemic subjects can be potentially improved with the supplemental intake of PF concentrate.

• antioxidants
• superoxide dismutase
• glutathione peroxidase
• plasma cholesterol
• plant food concentrates

We thank Natural Factors Nutritional Products Ltd, Burnaby, BC and Alberta Agriculture Research Institute (AARI) for providing financial support for this study.

Notes

Natural Factors Nutritional Products Ltd, Burnaby, BC and Alberta Agriculture Research Institute (AARI) provided financial support for this study.