• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Nutraceuticals
    • Markets
    • Health
    • Jobs
    • Events
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Showcases
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Nutraceuticals
  • Markets
  • Health
  • Jobs
  • Events
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Showcases
  • Current & Past Issues
    Features
    Columns
    Editorials
    Digital Edition
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    eNewsletter
    Editorial Guidelines
    Top Features
    Contract Manufacturing: Trials & Tribulations of Today’s Supply Chains

    Analytical Testing in Nutraceuticals: Methods and Mindsets to Uphold Quality

    Nutrition and Flavor: Formulating for Modern Product Preferences

    What Do Consumers Know About the Gut Microbiome?

    How Will the European Green Deal Impact Dietary Supplements?
    Breaking News
    Certifications, Approvals and Patents
    Exclusives
    Industry & Market News
    People
    Products
    Regulatory
    Research
    Supplier News
    Supplier Insights
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Herbalist and Alchemist Celebrates 40th Anniversary, Announces Expansion

    BASF Venture Capital and Aqua-Spark invest in Sea6 Energy

    Lauren Aronson Joins Amin Talati Wasserman, LLP

    Vitamin K2 May Ameliorate Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

    Vitamin D May Prevent Changes to Liver Enzymes and Lipid Profile After Exhaustive Exercise
    Exclusives
    Blogs & Guest Articles
    Health E-Insights
    Area Code 420
    eBook
    Antioxidants
    Dairy-Based Ingredients
    Enzymes
    Fatty Acids
    Fiber & Carbohydrates
    Green Foods
    Herbs & Botanicals
    Marine Nutraceuticals
    Minerals
    Omega 3s
    Probiotics & Prebiotics
    Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids
    Sweeteners
    Vitamins

    Herbalist and Alchemist Celebrates 40th Anniversary, Announces Expansion

    BASF Venture Capital and Aqua-Spark invest in Sea6 Energy

    Vitamin K2 May Ameliorate Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

    Vitamin D May Prevent Changes to Liver Enzymes and Lipid Profile After Exhaustive Exercise

    Omega-3 Fatty Acids Linked to Reduced Episodes of Depression
    Consumer Trends
    Contract Manufacturing
    Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics
    Delivery & Dosage Technologies
    Dietary Supplements
    Flavors & Colors
    Functional Foods & Beverages
    Healthcare Trends
    Medical Nutrition
    Mergers & Acquisitions
    Natural/Organic
    Nutrition Bars
    Packaging
    Pet Nutraceuticals
    Quality & Safety
    Regulations
    Research
    Testing
    World Markets

    Herbalist and Alchemist Celebrates 40th Anniversary, Announces Expansion

    BASF Venture Capital and Aqua-Spark invest in Sea6 Energy

    Lauren Aronson Joins Amin Talati Wasserman, LLP

    Vitamin K2 May Ameliorate Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

    Vitamin D May Prevent Changes to Liver Enzymes and Lipid Profile After Exhaustive Exercise
    Bone & Joint Health
    Cancer Risk
    Cardiovascular Health
    Cognitive Function
    Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
    Digestive Health
    Energy
    Eye Health
    Healthy Aging
    Immune Function
    Infant & Children's Health
    Inflammation
    Men's Health
    Mood Health & Sleep
    Oral Health
    Sexual & Reproductive Health
    Skin Health
    Sports Nutrition
    Weight Management/Weight Loss
    Women's Health

    Vitamin K2 May Ameliorate Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

    Vitamin D May Prevent Changes to Liver Enzymes and Lipid Profile After Exhaustive Exercise

    Omega-3 Fatty Acids Linked to Reduced Episodes of Depression

    Charlotte’s Web Sports Product Line to Undergo NSF Certification Process

    Caffeine-Free Energy Supplement Linked to Alertness, Fatigue Benefits
    Industry Events
    Live From Show Events
    Webinars
    All Companies
    Categories
    Trade Associations
    Company Capabilities
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Aiya America, Inc. (Aiya Matcha)

    Verdure Sciences

    Ecuadorian Rainforest

    Nutrition21, LLC

    Xsto Solutions
    Companies
    Product Releases
    News Releases
    Literature / Brochures
    White Papers
    Jobs
    VIdeos
    Services
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Aiya America, Inc. (Aiya Matcha)

    Verdure Sciences

    Ecuadorian Rainforest

    Nutrition21, LLC

    Xsto Solutions
    • Magazine
      • Current / Back Issue
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Trade Associations
      • Company Capabilities
    • Nutraceuticals
      • Antioxidants
      • Dairy-Based Ingredients
      • Enzymes
      • Fatty Acids
      • Fiber & Carbohydrates
      • Green Foods
      • Herbs & Botanicals
      • Marine Nutraceuticals
      • Minerals
      • Omega 3s
      • Probiotics & Prebiotics
      • Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids
      • Sweeteners
      • Vitamins
    • Markets
      • Consumer Trends
      • Contract Manufacturing
      • Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics
      • Delivery & Dosage Technologies
      • Dietary Supplements
      • Flavors & Colors
      • Functional Foods & Beverages
      • Healthcare Trends
      • Medical Nutrition
      • Mergers & Acquisitions
      • Natural/Organic
      • Nutrition Bars
      • Packaging
      • Pet Nutraceuticals
      • Quality & Safety
      • Regulations
      • Research
      • Testing
      • World Markets
    • Health
      • Bone & Joint Health
      • Cancer Risk
      • Cardiovascular Health
      • Cognitive Function
      • Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
      • Digestive Health
      • Energy
      • Eye Health
      • Healthy Aging
      • Immune Function
      • Infant & Children's Health
      • Inflammation
      • Men's Health
      • Mood Health & Sleep
      • Oral Health
      • Sexual & Reproductive Health
      • Skin Health
      • Sports Nutrition
      • Weight Management/Weight Loss
      • Women's Health
    • Online Exclusives
    • Webinars
    • Slideshows
    • Blogs & Guest Articles
    • Health E-Insights
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • eBook
    • Whitepapers
    • Research
      • TrendSense
      • Monograph Center
      • White Papers
      • Research News
    • Jobs
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Supplier Showcases
      • Companies
      • Product Releases
      • News Releases
      • Literature / Brochures
      • White Papers
      • Jobs
      • VIdeos
      • Services
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Columns

    The Research Process: Bringing ORAC to a New Level

    It's time to see if a high ORAC number translates into meaningful health benefits.

    Related CONTENT
    • Organic Foods Found in 80% of U.S. Households
    • MusclePharm Launches Natural Series
    • Hain Celestial Features 75 New Natural Products
    • SAMBAZON Expands Product Lineup with Indulgent Acai Bites
    • Blueberries May Improve Cognition in Older Adults
    Douglas Kalman PhD, MS04.01.08

    Bringing ORAC to a New Level



    It’s time to see if a high ORAC number translates into meaningful health benefits.



    By Douglas Kalman
    PhD, MS, RD, CCRC, FACN



    The results of clinical research can be misleading when presented to the mass market in a “snippet” or via an overly simplified take home message. Unfortunately, that is often the case with nutrition studies, where marketing has a tendency to obscure the truth.

    I have spent many years on the clinical side of the nutraceuticals business (research, development, publishing, etc.), and have come across some “truths” that need to be amended, particularly in the case of antioxidants. I think it’s high time that someone reviewed some of the realities concerning antioxidant food or beverages, and how these are portrayed to the general population.


    High on ORAC?



    ORAC, also known as oxygen radical absorbance capacity, is a method used in food science research to quantify the ability of a food or beverage to quench free radicals and stave off oxidative damage. Some consumers are under the impression that an ORAC value of a particular food must correspond with strong antioxidant properties inside the body—but that’s not entirely true.

    Does a high ORAC value mean that an antioxidant ingredient or fruit or vegetable will have a positive impact on health? Or, does a high ORAC number translate into reduced disease risk? Or, is ORAC testing the best or most complete test for antioxidant capacity? These are some of the questions being asked by consumers, researchers and companies today.


    Putting Study Results in Context



    While there are many tests that can be conducted to determine the antioxidant capacity of a food or food stuff (i.e., FRAP testing), it may be more appropriate to start asking dietary supplement, beverage and food companies that tout the ORAC value of their product if their particular product actually does anything in the human body. In other words, does it matter if a fruit tests very high for antioxidant capacity if that same fruit and its ORAC do not reduce your risk of disease or significantly alter physiologic function in such a way that health is improved?

    Early findings suggest that eating plenty of high-ORAC fruits and vegetables—such as spinach and blueberries—may help slow the processes associated with aging in the body and brain. This research, in its infancy, indicates that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce in vivo markers of oxidative damage and thus slow down the aging process (via quenching free radicals plus perhaps upregulating translational activity). If the early research pans out in larger trials, then might we one day see young and middle-aged people attempting to reduce the risk of diseases of aging—including senility—simply by adding high-ORAC foods to their diets?

    In recent studies, eating plenty of high-ORAC foods:
    • Raised the antioxidant power of human blood 10-25%;
    • Prevented some loss of long-term memory and learning ability in middle-aged rats;
    • Maintained the ability of brain cells in middle-aged rats to respond to a chemical stimulus—a function that normally decreases with age; and
    • Protected rats’ tiny blood vessels—capillaries—against oxidative damage.

    Dr. Ronald Prior of the USDA contends, “If we can show some relationship between ORAC intake and health outcome in people, I think we may reach a point where the ORAC value will become a new standard for good antioxidant protection.”

    Dr. Guohua Cao, a physician and chemist who developed the ORAC assay, believes that combinations of nutrients found in foods may have greater protective effects than each nutrient taken alone.

    But connecting an ORAC value to disease risk reduction is a long way off. Fortunately, Dr. Prior and his colleagues at the USDA have a passion for learning about the antioxidant effects of fruits and vegetables. Their re­search has showed that high-ORAC foods (spinach, strawberries), as compared to vitamin C alone (in a 1250 mg dose), may have differential effects in humans.

    In fact, one of the studies found that a large serving of fresh spinach produced the biggest rise in the women’s blood antioxidant scores—up to 25%—followed by vitamin C, strawberries and red wine. In another study, men and women experienced a 13-15% increase in the antioxidant power of their blood after doubling their daily fruit and vegetable intake compared to what they consumed before the study. Just doubling intake more than doubled the number of ORAC units the volunteers consumed, according to Dr. Prior.


    The Challenge



    We seem to be on the cusp of knowing which dietary strategies might reduce risks of diseases while enhancing overall quality of life. However, the preponderance of evidence from published studies on fruits, vegetables, beverages and dietary supplements, particularly as they relate to ORAC value, should be classified as “unknown” for the moment. While testing for an ORAC value may be appealing because it can be used in subsequent product advertising, the clinical trial route is probably the better path to travel. The feeling within the research community and perhaps within the regulatory arena as well is that it is high time for ORAC to provide human proof of its impact on health.NW

    References furnished upon request.
    Related Searches
    • Research
    • Dietary Supplements
    • Skin Health
    • Testing
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Research
    • Testing
    • Dietary Supplements
    Suggested For You
    Organic Foods Found in 80% of U.S. Households Organic Foods Found in 80% of U.S. Households
    MusclePharm Launches Natural Series MusclePharm Launches Natural Series
    Hain Celestial Features 75 New Natural Products Hain Celestial Features 75 New Natural Products
    SAMBAZON Expands Product Lineup with Indulgent Acai Bites SAMBAZON Expands Product Lineup with Indulgent Acai Bites
    Blueberries May Improve Cognition in Older Adults Blueberries May Improve Cognition in Older Adults
    Research Finds Nitrosigine May Boost Cognitive Performance in Active Adults Research Finds Nitrosigine May Boost Cognitive Performance in Active Adults
    Slideshow: New Joy of Health Products Slideshow: New Joy of Health Products
    Free Speech & Marketing Free Speech & Marketing
    Press Statements & Implied Claims Press Statements & Implied Claims
    Functional Properties of Fresh Food Ripe for ‘Natural’ Innovation Functional Properties of Fresh Food Ripe for ‘Natural’ Innovation
    Research Process: Science vs. Marketing: Which Comes First? Research Process: Science vs. Marketing: Which Comes First?
    The Research Process: The Case of the Negative Research Study The Research Process: The Case of the Negative Research Study
    Max Effect Liquid Vitamin Max Effect Liquid Vitamin
    A Spicy Possibility  A Spicy Possibility
    BCM-95 Curcumin Selected For Alzheimer’s Study BCM-95 Curcumin Selected For Alzheimer’s Study

    Related Breaking News

    • Breaking News | Consumer Trends | Industry & Market News | Natural/Organic
      Organic Foods Found in 80% of U.S. Households

      Organic Foods Found in 80% of U.S. Households

      Organic food sales in the U.S. total around $40 billion annually, according to the Organic Trade Association.
      03.28.17

    • MusclePharm Launches Natural Series

      MusclePharm Launches Natural Series

      New line to meet growing consumer demand for all-natural, organic, vegan nutritional supplements.
      03.15.17

    • Hain Celestial Features 75 New Natural Products

      Products will be coming to market now through the end of 2017 and sold at selected retailers in markets throughout the U.S.
      03.15.17


    • SAMBAZON Expands Product Lineup with Indulgent Acai Bites

      Pioneer of organic acai launches new frozen novelty treats.
      03.15.17

    • Antioxidants | Breaking News | Cognitive Function | Healthy Aging | Herbs & Botanicals | Research | Research News

      Blueberries May Improve Cognition in Older Adults

      Supplementation with freeze-dried powder led to fewer repetition errors in California Verbal Learning Test.
      03.13.17

    Loading, Please Wait..
    Trending
    • Study Examines Vitamin K2 Content In Cheese
    • Chenland Nutritionals Self-Affirms GRAS For Cumin UP60 Ingredient
    • Omega-3 Fatty Acids Linked To Reduced Episodes Of Depression
    • Pycnogenol Evidenced To Have Skin Benefits In Dermatology Study
    • ADM And Benson Hill Partner To Scale High Protein Soy For U.S. Market
    Breaking News
    • Herbalist and Alchemist Celebrates 40th Anniversary, Announces Expansion
    • BASF Venture Capital and Aqua-Spark invest in Sea6 Energy
    • Lauren Aronson Joins Amin Talati Wasserman, LLP
    • Vitamin K2 May Ameliorate Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
    • Vitamin D May Prevent Changes to Liver Enzymes and Lipid Profile After Exhaustive Exercise
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    July/August 2022

    • A Growing Herbal Products Market Still Faces Formidable Threats, Challenges
    • Analytical Testing in Nutraceuticals: Methods and Mindsets to Uphold Quality
    • Nutrition and Flavor: Formulating for Modern Product Preferences
    • Contract Manufacturing: Trials & Tribulations of Today’s Supply Chains
    • How Will the European Green Deal Impact Dietary Supplements?
    • What Do Consumers Know About the Gut Microbiome?
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Herbalist and Alchemist Celebrates 40th Anniversary, Announces Expansion
    BASF Venture Capital and Aqua-Spark invest in Sea6 Energy
    Lauren Aronson Joins Amin Talati Wasserman, LLP
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Ashland Completes Sale of Land in Ajax, Canada
    Chemours Begins Commissioning New Sand Mine in Clay County, FL
    Evonik Increases Production Capacities for ACEMATT Matting Agents
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    M1 MedTech Announces Fall 2022 Cohort
    Preceptis Medical’s Tympanostomy Tube System Cleared for Expanded Indications
    Dyad Medical’s Echocardiogram Application Cleared by FDA
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing Completes Phase II Expansion
    WCG Appoints Rahul Bafna Chief Product Officer
    WuXi STA Breaks Ground for New Pharma Mfg. Campus in Middletown, DE
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    SOS Beauty Fills Several Senior Leadership Positions
    Beauty Sales to Higher Income Consumers in U.S. Increase Double-Digits in 2022
    Johnson & Johnson to Discontinue Global Sales of Talc-Based Baby Powder
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Net Sales Down 5% in Second Quarter Results for Bath & Body Works
    Legacy Skincare Brand Albolene Launches New Line of Facial Cleansers
    Arm & Hammer Laundry Continues Partnership with Dress for Success as Presenting Sponsor of 2022 Virtual Power Walk
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    DuPont Selects 2022 Lavoisier and Pedersen Award Medalists
    Chemours Begins Commissioning Newest Sand Mine in Clay County, FL
    Marabu to Present Safe Inks for Indirect Contact with Food at K 2022
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    ePac Flexible Packaging announces global expansion
    Tharstern offering free 3-month trial of new Tharstern Cloud at Labelexpo
    Simco-Ion Industrial expands application engineering expertise
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Because Market Expands into Retail Stores
    Tranzonic Acquired by Private Investment Firm
    Monadnock Earns EcoVadis Gold Rating
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    FDA OKs VySpine's VyPlate Anterior Cervical Plates
    Moximed Raises $40M for Knee OA Shock Absorber Implant
    Exactech Rolls Out Spartan Stem and Logical Cup
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    DuPont Names 2022 Lavoisier and Pedersen Award Medalists
    Photonic Glasses Give Solar Panels Pleasing Colors
    SEMI Appoints John Cooney to Lead Global Advocacy and Public Policy

    Copyright © 2022 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login