Orange juice can help fight inflammation and oxidative stress, according to a new study
According to a new study, 100% orange juice has the potential to help adults fight inflammation and oxidative stress. The study’s findings were published in the journal ‘Advances in Nutrition.’ Despite its limitations, the study found that drinking 100% orange juice reduces interleukin 6, a well-established marker of inflammation, in both healthy and high-risk adults.
Two additional inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were also reduced, but the results were not statistically significant. The findings of this study, which was funded by an unrestricted grant from the Florida Department of Citrus, are consistent with a previously published FDOC-funded review that found hesperidin, the primary bioactive compound found in oranges and 100 percent orange juice, to be beneficial in reducing some markers of inflammation and oxidative stress.
Chronic inflammation may play a role in the development or progression of certain chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. “We know that 100% orange juice contains a number of nutrients, such as vitamin C, as well as beneficial bioactive compounds that have the potential to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress,” said Gail Rampersaud, a registered dietitian with the Florida Department of Citrus.
“According to this review, some studies find benefits with 100% orange juice, but more data and large well-designed studies are needed to draw more definitive conclusions. This analysis is especially useful as we and others plan future orange juice research “Rampersaud added.
The review looked at published studies on 100% orange juice and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. The Think Healthy Group and researchers from Tufts University and George Mason University conducted the review.
The study was divided into three parts: a qualitative scoping review of 21 studies that included 307 healthy adults and 327 adults at risk for disease; a systematic review of a subset of 16 studies that measured the six most commonly reported biomarkers related to inflammation and oxidative stress in the body; and ten studies with enough data to conduct a meta-analysis.
The researchers also looked at the overall quality of the studies as well as any potential bias. According to the broad scoping and systematic reviews, 100 percent orange juice had either beneficial or null (no adverse) effects on oxidative stress or inflammation.
The researchers cautioned that because the studies had a small number of subjects, a low level of evidence, and a moderate risk of bias, the overall findings should be interpreted with caution.
