Dietary Intervention in Persons With Metabolic Syndrome

Individuals diagnosed with metabolic syndrome are at a two-fold risk for developing cardiovascular disease. The investigators must identify strategies that can abort the development of cardiovascular disease. Inflammation and oxidative stress responsible for the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome and CVD can be influenced by dietary changes. Strategic and novel interventions that include changing dietary patterns to include more antioxidant rich fruit and vegetables are pragmatic for primary prevention of CVD. Antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables, especially those with carotenoids (lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene) have been efficacious in reducing the risk of CVD by decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress. The purpose of this study is to test the effect of a dietary antioxidant intervention on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in persons diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. The sample will be randomized into one of two groups. Group one (intervention) will drink an 11.5 ounce serving of V8 100% vegetable juice once per day for 30 days. The second group (control) will continue to consume their normal diet. We will measure biomarkers of inflammation (C-reactive protein) and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde) in the two groups at baseline and the end of the 30-day intervention.