This study demonstrated that adding Juice Plus+ capsules and the Juice Plus+ Complete whole-food based shake mix helped ovarian cancer patients achieve a 10-a-day regimen of fruit and vegetable consumption, with significant health benefits resulting.

A randomized parallel-group dietary study for stages II–IV ovarian cancer survivors

Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX. Publishing in the March 2012 issue of the Gynecologic Oncology Journal.

Abstract

Objective

Few studies have examined the dietary habits of ovarian cancer survivors. Therefore, we conducted a study to assess the feasibility and impact of two dietary interventions for ovarian cancer survivors.

Methods

In this randomized, parallel-group study, 51 women (mean age, 53 years) diagnosed with stages II–IV ovarian cancer were recruited and randomly assigned to a low fat, high fiber (LFHF) diet or a modified National Cancer Institute diet supplemented with a soy-based beverage (Juice Plus+ Complete) and encapsulated fruit and vegetable juice concentrates (Juice Plus+ Orchard and Garden Blends). Changes in clinical measures, serum carotenoid and tocopherol levels, dietary intake, anthropometry, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) were assessed with paired t-tests.

Results

The recruitment rate was 25%, and the retention rate was 75% at 6 months. At baseline, 28% and 45% of women met guidelines for intake of fiber and of fruits and vegetables, respectively. After 6 months, total serum carotenoid levels and α- and β-carotene concentrations were significantly increased in both groups (P < 0.01); however, β-carotene concentrations were increased more in the Juice Plus+ group. Serum β-cryptoxanthin levels, fiber intake (+ 5.2 g/day), and daily servings of juice (+ 0.9 servings/day) and vegetables (+ 1.3 servings/day) were all significantly increased in the LFHF group (all P < 0.05). Serum levels of albumin, lutein and zeaxanthin, retinol, and retinyl palmitate were significantly increased in the Juice Plus+ group (all P < 0.05). No changes in cancer antigen-125, anthropometry, or HRQOL were observed.

Conclusion

Overall, this study supports the feasibility of designing dietary interventions for stages II–IV ovarian cancer survivors and provides preliminary evidence that a low fat high fiber diet and a diet supplemented with encapsulated Juice Plus+ may increase phytonutrients in ovarian cancer survivors.

Highlights

• Many ovarian cancer survivors fail to meet current guidelines for dietary intake.
• A low-fat diet supplemented with Juice Plus+ can improve carotenoid levels.
• Juice Plus+ capsules and complete may help bridge the gap between what is consumed and what is needed.