Study Results Show That High Intake of Carotenoid-Rich Fruit and Vegetables Reduces C-Reactive Protein in Healthy Non-Smoking Men
A recent study conducted in Germany investigated the effects of low, medium, and high intakes of fruit and vegetables on markers of immune functions which included nonspecific markers of inflammation. The randomized controlled trial lasted eight weeks and involved nonsmoking men. For the first four weeks of the trial all the men consumed a diet including less than 2 servings of fruit and vegetables per day. Then, the participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups to intake 2 servings per day, 5 servings per day, or 8 servings per day of carotenoid-rich vegetables and fruit for and additional four week period. Blood plasma concentrations of vitamins C and E and carotenoids were measured. The assessment of immunologic and inflammatory markers included the number and activity of natural killer cells, secretion of cytokines, lymphocyte proliferation, and plasma C-reactive protein concentrations. Based on the results of their assessment, researchers determined that in healthy, well-nourished, nonsmoking men, 4 weeks of low or high intakes of carotenoid-rich fruit and vegetables did not affect markers of immune function. However, a high intake of fruit and vegetables may reduce inflammatory processes, as indicated by the reduction of plasma C-reactive protein. C-reactive protein is a protein found in blood that is a marker for inflammation and heart disease risk. More research in this area would help to support the findings of this study. Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 82, November 2005. Read More.
A recent study conducted in Germany investigated the effects of low, medium, and high intakes of fruit and vegetables on markers of immune functions which included nonspecific markers of inflammation. The randomized controlled trial lasted eight weeks and involved nonsmoking men. For the first four weeks of the trial all the men consumed a diet including less than 2 servings of fruit and vegetables per day. Then, the participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups to intake 2 servings per day, 5 servings per day, or 8 servings per day of carotenoid-rich vegetables and fruit for and additional four week period. Blood plasma concentrations of vitamins C and E and carotenoids were measured. The assessment of immunologic and inflammatory markers included the number and activity of natural killer cells, secretion of cytokines, lymphocyte proliferation, and plasma C-reactive protein concentrations. Based on the results of their assessment, researchers determined that in healthy, well-nourished, nonsmoking men, 4 weeks of low or high intakes of carotenoid-rich fruit and vegetables did not affect markers of immune function. However, a high intake of fruit and vegetables may reduce inflammatory processes, as indicated by the reduction of plasma C-reactive protein. C-reactive protein is a protein found in blood that is a marker for inflammation and heart disease risk. More research in this area would help to support the findings of this study. Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 82, November 2005. Read More.