Cardiovascular and InflammAging Study

Evidence from previous studies supports a strong relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption and reduced cardiac risk. This could be mediated via improvements on blood pressure, platelet function and vascular reactivity. Certain vitamins and polyphenols found in fruits and vegetables, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and play a major role on the function of immune cells. Previous studies have also demonstrated the importance of omega-3 fatty acids on humans' health and their positive effects on the cardiovascular system and blood lipids regulation, as well as their involvement on inflammatory response. Nutritional regimens with adequate intake of micronutrients, fruit and vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, low in sugar and saturated fats, such as the Mediterranean diet or vegetarian diets, can reduce chronic inflammation and oxidative stress and improve cardiovascular risk profile. Considering that the population's fruit and vegetable and omega-3 intakes are below recommendations, whole food-based supplements could provide an accessible form of supplementation to bridge the gap between actual and recommended intakes. This study is aiming to assess whether long-term separate ingestions of an encapsulated juice powder concentrate and a plant-based omega fatty acid supplement, or a combined ingestion of the two, can affect biomarkers of cardiovascular health, low-grade inflammation and indicators of biological aging in older adults.