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Nutrients
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Antioxidant-Rich Natural Fruit and Vegetable Foods and Human Health
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Antioxidant-Rich Natural Fruit and Vegetable Foods and Human Health

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemicals and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 June 2026 | Viewed by 6920

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Ilenia Martinelli

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
Interests: natural and synthetic antioxidants; obesity; neuroinflammation; cardiovascular disease; cell metabolism

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

There is substantial evidence indicating that nutrition can benefit in the prevention of several diseases. Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds found in vegetables and fruits. The augmented consumption of fruits and vegetables in its raw and processed form could decrease the risk of the development of human diseases. Furthermore, the protective effect of natural fruit and vegetable foods has generally been attributed to their antioxidant constituents, these being essential ingredients.

The aim of this Special Issue is to investigate the influence of various types of antioxidants on health, in addition to cases where they target certain chronic human diseases and in healthy adults undergoing intense physical training. The structures, activity and mechanisms of antioxidant compounds should be examined. The current Special Issue will collect a range of papers or reviews.

Further to this, we welcome submissions related to exposures and interventions in animals and humans; we also welcome novel strategies in natural antioxidant nutrition quality evaluation in fruit and vegetable foods. We encourage authors to reflect how dietary antioxidant intake and environmental factors impact the prevention of diseases.

Thank you for your contributions.

Dr. Ilenia Martinelli
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • antioxidant
  • fruits
  • vegetables
  • health
  • organ damage

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 261 KB  
Article
Differential Effects of Vitamin C from Fruit and Vegetables Versus Supplements on the Risk of Frailty
by Seulgi Lee and Kirang Kim
Nutrients 2025, 17(24), 3876; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17243876 - 11 Dec 2025
Viewed by 310
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Frailty represents a critical aging-related condition, but evidence on how different sources of vitamin C relate to frailty risk remains limited. Thus, this study aimed to examine the relationship between frailty risk and sources of vitamin C intake (dietary, including fruit and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Frailty represents a critical aging-related condition, but evidence on how different sources of vitamin C relate to frailty risk remains limited. Thus, this study aimed to examine the relationship between frailty risk and sources of vitamin C intake (dietary, including fruit and vegetable (FV) vs. supplemental) among Korean adults. Method: We analyzed data from 9478 adults in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES 2018–2019). Frailty was assessed using a modified Fried phenotype. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for frailty according to vitamin C intake source. Results: More than 60% of participants had inadequate FV intake. Significant associations were observed primarily in women. Increased FV intake (OR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.264–0.731, comparing the highest intake group (fourth quartile, Q4) vs. the lowest intake group (first quartile, Q1)) for dietary vitamin C intake (OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.393–0.914, Q4 vs. Q1) and vitamin C intake from FV (OR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.348–0.851, Q4 vs. Q1), was significantly associated with a lower risk of frailty. Women with inadequate FV intake had a higher risk of frailty (OR = 2.06, 95% CI = 1.34–3.16) compared to those with adequate intake, regardless of vitamin C supplement use. In contrast, vitamin C supplementation was not significantly associated with frailty risk in either men or women. Conclusion: A higher intake of FV and dietary vitamin C, but not supplemental vitamin C, was associated with a lower risk of frailty, particularly among women. These findings suggest that improving overall diet quality through increased FV consumption may be more effective for frailty prevention than relying on single-nutrient supplementation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant-Rich Natural Fruit and Vegetable Foods and Human Health)
22 pages, 2230 KB  
Article
Anthocyanin-Rich Blackcurrant Pomace Mitigates Oxidative Stress and Affects Steroid Metabolism in the Testes of Rats Exposed to Silver Nanoparticles
by Michał Oczkowski, Katarzyna Dziendzikowska, Marcin Kruszewski, Joanna Gromadzka-Ostrowska and Agnieszka Grzelak
Nutrients 2025, 17(24), 3809; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17243809 - 5 Dec 2025
Viewed by 254
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), used in industry and medicine, can have a negative impact on the human organism, particularly on the reproductive system, while polyphenolic supplementation may reduce oxidative stress (OS) and enhance male reproductive potential. The aim of this study was [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), used in industry and medicine, can have a negative impact on the human organism, particularly on the reproductive system, while polyphenolic supplementation may reduce oxidative stress (OS) and enhance male reproductive potential. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of anthocyanin-rich blackcurrant pomace (BC) on sex steroid hormone metabolism and the OS indicator in the testes of rats following exposure to AgNPs. Methods: Adult rats were fed with a control feed (CTR) or diet supplemented with a 2% BC (BC group). The rats from AgNano and AgNano+BC groups were treated with 20 nm AgNPs (30 mg/kg/day for 28 days by gavage). Results: The plasma testosterone (T) and plasma dihydrotestosterone (DHT) concentrations were decreased in all experimental groups compared to the control (CTR) animals. The co-treatment of animals with AgNPs and BC resulted in decreased oestrogen receptor (ESR2) levels in the testes as compared to rats fed with a diet with BC alone, and the up-regulation of mRNA level of genes involved in T synthesis and metabolism (StAr, Cyp11a1, Hsd17b3, Hsd3b3, Cyp19a1, and Srd5a1), and steroid hormone signalling (AR, ESR1, and ESR2) compared to the Ctr group. The addition of BC to the diet of rats treated with AgNPs resulted in decreased protein carbonyls in the testes as compared to AgNPs-treated animals. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that relatively low AgNPs administration to rats was associated with increased oxidative stress in the gonads. Incorporating BC into the animals’ feed mitigated AgNPs-induced oxidative stress and stimulated the expression of genes involved in steroid synthesis and metabolism in testes. The bioactive compounds in blackcurrant pomace have plausible mechanisms to influence reproductive health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant-Rich Natural Fruit and Vegetable Foods and Human Health)
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11 pages, 843 KB  
Article
Association Between Dietary Tomato Intake and Blood Eosinophil Count in Middle-Aged and Older Japanese Individuals: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study
by Akinori Hara, Hiromasa Tsujiguchi, Rio Fukuchi, Masaharu Nakamura, Jam Camara, Marama Talica, Jiaye Zhao, Chie Takazawa, Fumihiko Suzuki, Haruhiko Ogawa, Takayuki Kannon, Takehiro Sato, Atsushi Tajima and Hiroyuki Nakamura
Nutrients 2025, 17(21), 3467; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17213467 - 3 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1294
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Although tomato consumption has been associated with positive health outcomes, it remains unclear whether it can prevent or exacerbate allergic diseases by regulating eosinophils. We explored the association between dietary tomato intake and blood eosinophil counts in Japanese individuals. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Although tomato consumption has been associated with positive health outcomes, it remains unclear whether it can prevent or exacerbate allergic diseases by regulating eosinophils. We explored the association between dietary tomato intake and blood eosinophil counts in Japanese individuals. Methods: This population-based, cross-sectional study included 1013 participants aged ≥ 40 years. The dietary intake of tomatoes was assessed using a validated, self-administered diet history questionnaire. The peripheral blood eosinophil count was measured, and an elevated blood eosinophil count was defined as a value that exceeded the ≥75th percentile. Results: The mean age of the participants was 62.5 ± 11.2 years, with 474 (46.8%) being male. Overall, 252 participants exhibited elevated blood eosinophil counts (≥204/μL). In the multivariable logistic regression model with adjustment for potential confounders, an increase in tomato intake of 10 g was inversely associated with an elevated blood eosinophil count (odds ratio [OR], 0.895; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.834–0.961). Except for chronic kidney disease, the baseline participant characteristics did not influence this association. Conclusions: Low dietary tomato intake was associated with an elevated blood eosinophil count in middle-aged and older Japanese individuals. These results may provide insight into the dietary management of eosinophil-related allergic and type 2 inflammatory diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant-Rich Natural Fruit and Vegetable Foods and Human Health)
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16 pages, 1490 KB  
Article
Comparative Bioavailability of Vitamin C After Short-Term Consumption of Raw Fruits and Vegetables and Their Juices: A Randomized Crossover Study
by Mijoo Choi, Juha Baek, Jung-Mi Yun, Young-Shick Hong and Eunju Park
Nutrients 2025, 17(21), 3331; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17213331 - 23 Oct 2025
Viewed by 3387
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Vitamin C plays a vital role in human health, functioning as a powerful antioxidant and enzymatic cofactor. Although vitamin C bioavailability from food versus supplements has been debated, few studies have examined how intake form affects absorption and physiological markers. Methods: This [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Vitamin C plays a vital role in human health, functioning as a powerful antioxidant and enzymatic cofactor. Although vitamin C bioavailability from food versus supplements has been debated, few studies have examined how intake form affects absorption and physiological markers. Methods: This randomized, controlled, crossover trial aimed to compare the bioavailability of vitamin C consumed as a supplement, through raw fruits and vegetables, or through fruit and vegetable juice. Twelve healthy adults underwent three 1-day crossover trials, each separated by a 2-week washout. Participants consumed 101.7 mg of vitamin C via powder, raw fruits and vegetables (186.8 g), or juice (200 mL). Plasma and urinary vitamin C concentrations, urinary metabolites (1H NMR), and antioxidant activity (ORAC and TRAP) were assessed over 24 h. Results: All interventions elevated plasma vitamin C levels, with juice yielding the highest AUC (25.3 ± 3.2 mg/dL·h). Urinary vitamin C increased in all groups. Metabolomics revealed increased urinary excretion of mannitol, glycine, taurine, dimethylglycine (DMG), and asparagine, and decreased choline and dimethylamine (DMA). Notably, urinary mannitol increased only in the morning. Choline significantly decreased after powder intake (p = 0.001), with similar trends observed in the other groups. DMG and glycine increased following raw and juiced vegetable intake. Antioxidant activity showed transient ORAC elevation post-powder but no sustained improvements. Conclusions: Vitamin C is bioavailable from all intake forms, with juice providing the most efficient absorption. Urinary metabolite changes suggest microbiota-related modulation, while antioxidant activity improvements were limited. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant-Rich Natural Fruit and Vegetable Foods and Human Health)
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Review

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15 pages, 772 KB  
Review
Health-Promoting Properties of Sorghum Bioactive Compounds—A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis
by Jakub Frankowski, Aleksandra Zielińska, Mateusz Labudda, Maciej Ireneusz Kluz, Miroslava Kačániová and Przemysław Łukasz Kowalczewski
Nutrients 2025, 17(23), 3732; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17233732 - 28 Nov 2025
Viewed by 460
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor Moench) is a globally cultivated cereal and an increasingly important crop in Europe due to its exceptional adaptability to climate change and low input requirements. It represents a rich source of bioactive compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor Moench) is a globally cultivated cereal and an increasingly important crop in Europe due to its exceptional adaptability to climate change and low input requirements. It represents a rich source of bioactive compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, and 3-deoxyanthocyanidins, which exhibit strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory properties. Methods: This review, as a bibliometric analysis, summarizes and discusses current evidence on the health-promoting effects of sorghum, with particular emphasis on its antioxidant, metabolic, and cardiovascular benefits. Results: The antioxidant potential of sorghum is mainly attributed to its phenolic profile, which varies considerably depending on genotype, environmental factors, and processing methods. Human and animal studies demonstrate that sorghum-derived polyphenols enhance endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity, decrease oxidative stress biomarkers, and beneficially modulate gut microbiota composition. Sorghum-based foods are characterized by low to medium glycemic indices, promoting improved postprandial glucose regulation, insulin sensitivity, and prolonged satiety. Furthermore, sorghum bioactive peptides and phenolic acids contribute to cardiovascular health by lowering serum cholesterol levels, reducing inflammatory markers, and exhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity. Conclusions: Overall, sorghum constitutes a gluten-free, antioxidant-rich grain with significant potential for mitigating oxidative stress, supporting metabolic balance, and preventing chronic non-communicable diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant-Rich Natural Fruit and Vegetable Foods and Human Health)
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