2 August 2010

Effects of a Fruit/Berry/Vegetable Supplement on Muscle Function and Oxidative Stress

Abstract

Purpose: This study tested the effectiveness of a fruit/berry/vegetable concentrate (FVC), Juice Plus+ supplement on muscle function and oxidative stress in response to an acute bout of eccentric exercise (EE).

Methods: Forty one (18-35 yrs) healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to either a placebo (P) or FVC treatment taking capsules for 28 days (6 day-1) prior to the EE and for the next four days. All subjects completed 4 sets of 12 repetitions of eccentric elbow flexion with their non-dominant arm. Blood, muscle soreness (MS), range of motion (ROM), and maximal isometric force (MIF) of the elbow flexors were obtained before and, immediately after exercise, and at 2, 6, 24, 48, 72 hrs post-exercise. Plasma was analyzed for creatine kinase (CK), lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyls (PC). Glutathione ratio was determined from whole blood extracts.

Results: MS, ROM, MIF and plasma CK demonstrated significant time effects independent of treatment. MS and plasma CK increased over time while ROM and MIF decreased over time. There was a significant time and time by treatment effect for plasma PC and MDA. PC and MDA increased over time in the P group (p<0.01) but were not significantly altered in the FVC treated group at any time. No significant changes were noted in LOOH. The glutathione ratio was elevated immediately post exercise in both groups (p<0.01) and elevated 6hr post exercise with P compared to the FVC treated group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: This study reports that 4 weeks of pretreatment with a FVC can attenuate blood oxidative stress markers induced by EE but had no significant impact on the functional changes related to pain and muscle damage.

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 2010

This is the fourth study of Juice Plus+ in serious athletes, following these three which have already been published:

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 2006 - Study findings: Juice Plus+ effectively reduced the exercise-induced increase in plasma protein carbonyls, a marker for protein oxidation.

Journal of Nutrition 2007 - Study findings: When compared to placebo, Juice Plus+ Orchard, Garden, and Vineyard Blends taken in combination effectively reduced an exercise-induced marker of oxidative stress and improved several indicators of immunity.

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 2009 - Study findings: When compared to placebo, Juice Plus+ Orchard, Garden, and Vineyard Blends taken in combination effectively reduced an exercise-induced marker of oxidative stress.

The training (adaptation) effect of exercise is vital for the athlete to gain in strength and endurance - for example, muscle tissue must break down and be repaired to grow stronger. However, excessive damage caused by exercise-induced oxidative stress is to be avoided if possible. This study demonstrates that athletes who take Juice Plus+ experience less of this damage, while fully benefiting from their training.

The video below provides more information on the 'Juice Plus+ Fitness Effect'.

On this video Fitness Professionals, Athletes and Medical Doctors (many of whom are also serious athletes) advocate a Rx for Health & Fitness: exercise stress reduction hydration nutrition supplementation