What is the Effect of Increased Consumption of Fruit Juice on Exercise Capacity and Inflammatory Biomarkers?

Summary

Dietary patterns and physical inactivity common in Western societies have been associated with chronic low-grade inflammation and an increased risk of non-communicable health conditions. Fruits and vegetables contain polyphenols and other bioactive compounds that may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may influence inflammatory biomarkers. This study will evaluate the effects of increased consumption of a fruit juice on inflammatory biomarkers and exercise capacity in adults with mildly elevated inflammation. Approximately 40 participants will be randomly assigned to consume one of two fruit juice interventions daily for approximately 2 weeks. Changes in C-reactive protein (CRP) and exercise capacity, assessed using a 6-minute walk test, will be evaluated before and after the intervention and compared between the two groups.

Detailed Description

Industrialization and changes in dietary and physical activity patterns have contributed to differences in the health conditions experienced by populations in Western societies. Chronic, non-communicable conditions, many of which are associated with low-grade inflammation, are now major contributors to morbidity and mortality. Dietary patterns characterized by high consumption of refined carbohydrates, sugars, salt, and animal fats and relatively low consumption of fruits, vegetables, fiber, and plant-derived phytochemicals may contribute to an inflammatory state. Similarly, low levels of physical activity have been associated with increased inflammation and elevated inflammatory biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP). Fruits and vegetables provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds including polyphenols. Polyphenols are plant-derived compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may influence inflammatory processes and other physiological pathways. Increasing consumption of minimally processed plant foods and fruit-derived products may therefore represent a potential approach for increasing intake of these bioactive compounds and examining their relationship with markers of inflammation and physical performance. This randomized, parallel-group interventional study will evaluate the effects of two fruit juice interventions on inflammatory biomarkers and exercise capacity in adults with mildly elevated inflammation. Approximately 40 adult participants will be enrolled and randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups. Participants will consume their assigned fruit juice daily for approximately 2 weeks. At baseline, participants will undergo study assessments including measurement of inflammatory status using a finger-stick blood sample for C-reactive protein (CRP) and assessment of exercise capacity using a standardized 6-minute walk test. Participants will then consume their assigned intervention daily during the study period. Follow-up assessments will be performed after the intervention period to evaluate changes in CRP and exercise capacity. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate whether daily consumption of a fruit juice intervention is associated with changes in inflammatory biomarkers and exercise capacity in adults with mildly elevated inflammation. Changes in CRP and performance on the 6-minute walk test will be assessed before and after the intervention and compared between the two intervention groups. The study is investigator-initiated and involves commercially available fruit juice products. The study is not conducted under an Investigational New Drug (IND) application or Investigational Device Exemption (IDE). The study has been reviewed and approved by the Northwell Institutional Review Board.

Eligibility Criteria

Interventions