The effect of fruit and vegetable powder mix on hypertensive subjects: a pilot study☆

Abstract 

Objective

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of a fruit and vegetable powder mix on cardiovascular health as determined by blood pressure and heart rate variability (HRV) in a chiropractic college faculty and student population.

Methods

Forty subjects were recruited in the study via a schoolwide e-mail notification and through personal contacts. NanoGreens (Biopharma Scientific, Inc, San Diego, CA) vegetable supplement drink was tested to document its effect on the blood pressure and HRV in relation to cardiovascular health.

Results

After taking the supplement for 90 days, both systolic and diastolic blood pressures decreased significantly in the treatment group. The systolic blood pressure decreased from 140.4 ± 17.7 to 128 ± 14.2 mm Hg, and the diastolic blood pressure decreased from 90.2 ± 7.7 to 83.1 ± 7.4 mm Hg. No significant blood pressure decrease was observed in the control group (systolic blood pressure from 130.8 ± 16.3 to 131 ± 16.1 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure from 83.6 ± 9.6 to 83.1 ± 7.9 mm Hg). Subject's body weight in pounds did not change significantly in the experimental group: from 193.5 ± 31.1 to 194 ± 31.3. The body weight in the control group showed an increase from 175.9 ± 27.4 to 178 ± 29.9, but it was not significant. The heart rate did not show any statistically significant changes. Time domain analysis of HRV showed an increase in the standard deviation of the average R-R intervals root mean square of successive interbeat intervals, but it did not reach statistical significance. Frequency analysis of HRV found an increase in the total power, but it did not reach a significant level.

Conclusion

It was concluded that taking the nutritional supplement for 90 days reduced blood pressure but not body weight in this group of subjects. The HRV was not affected by the supplement over the 3-month period. Larger studies should be conducted to determine effects on other populations.

Key indexing terms: Dietary supplements, Nutrition therapy, Blood pressure, Chiropractic