Effects of a Fruit and Vegetable-Based Nutraceutical on Biomarkers of Inflammation and Oxidative Status in the Plasma of a Healthy Population: A Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, and Randomized Clinical Trial.

There is scientific evidence of the positive effect of polyphenols from plant foods on inflammation and oxidative status. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether treatment with a high-polyphenolic nutraceutical reduces the plasmatic concentration of certain oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers in a healthy population. One hundred and eight subjects were selected and stratified by sex in the intervention group (n = 53) and the placebo group (n = 55). Ninety-two subjects completed the study after two 16-week treatment periods separated by a four-week washout period. The results revealed statistically significant differences in subjects treated with the polyphenolic extract compared to the placebo: A decrease in homocysteine, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL), TNF-α, sTNFR1, and C-reactive protein (CRP). The most significant decrease was observed for OxLDL (from 78.98 ± 24.48 to 69.52 ± 15.64; p < 0.05) and CRP (from 1.50 ± 0.33 to 1.39 ± 0.37; p < 0.05), both showing significant differences compared to the placebo (p < 0.001). Moreover, catecholamines increased after the administration of the product under investigation, especially in the case of dopamine (from 15.43 ± 2.66 to 19.61 ± 5.73; p < 0.05). Therefore, the consumption of a nutraceutical based on fruit and vegetables with a high polyphenol content seems to improve the parameters related to health benefits (oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers), including remarkable changes in the expression of catecholamines.

Nutritional and Psychosocial Intervention to Improve the Self-Concept of Body Image and Increase the Self-Esteem of Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Negative habits persist in contemporary society that can sometimes result in overweight or the deterioration of body image. This study aimed to assess the suitability of a nutritional and psychosocial intervention as part of an interdisciplinary approach to improve the perception of body image and increase the self-esteem of individuals who are overweight or obese. A total of 55 participants (25 men and 30 women) were included in this quasi-experimental intervention study. Measurements were taken as part of an ambulatory treatment to obtain values for weight, self-esteem, and body image perception using the Rosenberg scale and the Body Self-Esteem scale. At the end of the intervention and after one year, the weight reductions reached an average of 13.4 kg, positive self-image perception improved from a mean of 88.73 at pretest to 148.02 at follow-up, and self-esteem improved from a mean of 22.6 to 32.6. These were all statistically significant changes (p < 0.001). The model is effective in terms of weight reduction, together with improved levels of self-esteem and favorable perceptions of body image.