Pomegranate juice is potentially better than apple juice in improving antioxidant function in elderly subjects

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#aging #antioxidants #beverages #biomarkers #dna-damage

Pomegranate juice is potentially better than apple juice in improving antioxidant function in elderly subjects

Guo et al., 2008 | Nutr Res | Rct

Citation

Guo Changjiang, Wei Jingyu, ... Jiang Yugang. Pomegranate juice is potentially better than apple juice in improving antioxidant function in elderly subjects. Nutr Res. 2008-Feb;28(2):72-7. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2007.12.001

Abstract

In the present study, 26 elderly subjects were recruited and randomly divided into 2 groups, that is, apple (low in antioxidant capacity) and pomegranate (high in antioxidant capacity) groups, and 250 mL of juice was consumed daily for 4 weeks. Changes in plasma antioxidant capacity, activity of antioxidant enzymes, contents of ascorbic acid, vitamin E, reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde, oxidized low-density lipoprotein and carbonyls, and the degree of DNA damage in mononuclear blood cells were measured. Urine samples were collected for determination of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine content. Increased plasma antioxidant capacity and decreased plasma carbonyl content were demonstrated after daily consumption of pomegranate juice. In comparison, apple juice consumption presented a less significant effect on antioxidant function in elderly subjects. It is concluded that daily consumption of pomegranate juices is potentially better than apple juice in improving antioxidant function in the elderly. Because the plasma ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and reduced glutathione contents did not differ significantly between the 2 groups in this study, the phenolics may be the functional components contained in pomegranate juice that accounted for the observations.

Key Findings

Because the plasma ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and reduced glutathione contents did not differ significantly between the 2 groups in this study, the phenolics may be the functional components contained in pomegranate juice that accounted for the observations.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population elderly subjects
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Aging
  • Antioxidants
  • Beverages
  • Biomarkers
  • DNA Damage
  • Deoxyadenosines
  • Female
  • Flavonoids
  • Humans
  • Lythraceae
  • Male
  • Malus
  • Middle Aged
  • Nutritional Requirements
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Phenols
  • Polyphenols

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: pomegranate

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09