The Impact of a Dried Fruit and Vegetable Supplement and Fiber Rich Shake on Gut and Health Parameters in Female Healthcare Workers: A Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial

Center for Nutraceuticals and Dietary Supplement Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Memphis, 106 Elma Roane Fieldhouse, Zach Curlin Rd., Memphis, TN 38152, USA

Harry Feinstone Center for Genomic Research, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA

Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA

Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Academic Editor: Tomas Hrncir

Microorganisms 2021, 9(4), 843; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9040843

Received: 19 March 2021 / Revised: 8 April 2021 / Accepted: 11 April 2021 / Published: 14 April 2021

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis 2.0)

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Abstract

Aim: Phytochemicals from fruits and vegetables are known to reduce inflammation and improve overall health. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a fruit and vegetable concentrate (FVC) and high fiber component on the gut microbiome in an overweight/obese, female population. Methods: The study was a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial with 57 asymptomatic, pre-menopausal, overweight/obese females between 25–50 years of age working in healthcare. Blood and fecal samples were collected before and after two, four and five months of daily supplementation. Metabolic parameters were measured, and the gut microbiome analyzed. Results: No effect was observed with FVC supplementation for blood lipids, glucose and immune parameters. There was an improvement in glucose clearance. The FVC supplement did not result in taxonomic alterations at phyla level, or changes in α or β diversity, but reduced Bacteroides abundance and increased fecal butyrate. An additional high fiber component improved levels of health associated bacteria. Conclusion: The results suggest that a dried fruit and vegetable supplement, with a high fiber meal replacement can alter the intestinal microbiota and improve glucose clearance, suggesting that this combination of supplements can improve glucose metabolism and possibly reduce the risk of insulin resistance. View Full-Text

Keywords: dried fruit and vegetable supplement; polyphenols; fiber; microbiome; glucose metabolism

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MDPI and ACS Style

van der Merwe, M.; Moore, D.; Hill, J.L.; Keating, F.H.; Buddington, R.K.; Bloomer, R.J.; Wang, A.; Bowman, D.D. The Impact of a Dried Fruit and Vegetable Supplement and Fiber Rich Shake on Gut and Health Parameters in Female Healthcare Workers: A Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial. Microorganisms 2021, 9, 843. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9040843

AMA Style

van der Merwe M, Moore D, Hill JL, Keating FH, Buddington RK, Bloomer RJ, Wang A, Bowman DD. The Impact of a Dried Fruit and Vegetable Supplement and Fiber Rich Shake on Gut and Health Parameters in Female Healthcare Workers: A Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial. Microorganisms. 2021; 9(4):843. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9040843

Chicago/Turabian Style

van der Merwe, Marie, Damien Moore, Jessica L. Hill, Faith H. Keating, Randal K. Buddington, Richard J. Bloomer, Anyou Wang, and Dale D. Bowman. 2021. "The Impact of a Dried Fruit and Vegetable Supplement and Fiber Rich Shake on Gut and Health Parameters in Female Healthcare Workers: A Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial" Microorganisms 9, no. 4: 843. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9040843

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The Impact of a Dried Fruit and Vegetable Supplement and Fiber Rich Shake on Gut and Health Parameters in Female Healthcare Workers: A Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial

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