HDL-cholesterol-raising effect of orange juice in subjects with hypercholesterolemia

Background: Orange juice-a rich source of vitamin CI folate, and flavonoids such as hesperidin-induces hypocholesterolemic responses in animals. Objective: We determined whether orange juice beneficially altered blood li pids in subjects with moderate hypercholesterolemia. Design: The sample consisted of 16 healthy men and 9 healthy women with ele vated plasma total and LDL-cholesterol and normal plasma triacylglycerol co ncentrations. Participants incorporated 1, 2, or 3 cups (250 mt each) of or ange juice sequentially into their diets, each dose over a period of 4 wk. This was followed by a 5-wk washout period. Plasma lipid, folate, homocyst( e)ine, and vitamin C (a compliance marker) concentrations were measured at baseline, after each treatment, and after the washout period. Results: Consumption of 750 mt but not of 250 or 500 mt orange juice daily increased HDL-cholesterol concentrations by 21% (P < 0.001), triacylglycero l concentrations by 30% (from 1.56 +/- 0.72 to 2.03 +/- 0.91 mmol/L; P < 0. 02), and folate concentrations by 18% (P < 0.01); decreased the LDL-HDL cho lesterol ratio by 16% (P < 0.005); and did not affect homocyst(e)ine concen trations. Plasma vitamin C concentrations increased significantly during ea ch dietary period (2.1, 3.1, and 3.8 times, respectively). Conclusions: Orange juice (750 mL/d) improved blood lipid profiles in hyper cholesterolemic subjects, confirming recommendations to consume greater tha n or equal to5-10 servings of fruit and vegetables daily.