Ralf Schweiggert

Nutitionally realistic intake of orange juice or hesperidin induces measurable biological engagement without detectable short-term vascular benefits.

This study presents the first comprehensive characterization of 38 commercial ciders (type ‘Apfelwein’) available on the German market that have not yet been systematically described. Sugars, polyols, organic acids, and volatiles were assessed. Sensory profiles were obtained using rate-all-that-apply (RATA) tests, and consumer acceptance was evaluated in acceptance tests. Across all samples, fructose (mean concentrations of 2.4 ± 3.3 g/L, range: Brettanomyces -notes’, ‘dull/musty’, and ‘solvent-like’ notes. Lower levels of acetate esters and acids were also associated with these samples. Overall, residual sugar, malic acid and acetate esters emerged as relevant parameters associated with sensory quality and consumer acceptance of German ciders.

This study compared pineapple ( Ananas comosus ‘MD2’) juices produced using either a vacuum-driven spiral filter press (SFP) or a conventional rack-and-cloth press (RCP).

Purpose: While orange juice has been reported to decrease serum uric acid (SUA), the effects of the specific constituents hesperidin and vitamin C are not fully understood. The present study aimed to unravel their possible SUA-lowering effects. Methods: In a randomized controlled, double-blind, two-way cross-over, two-week intervention, the effects of four orange-flavored drinks (200 mL/d) on SUA (primary outcome) were compared in 40 adults (21–78 y; BMI 17.9–41.4 kg/m ² ) with high SUA. One drink was a placebo; the others contained 600 mg vitamin C ( VitC ), 240 mg hesperidin ( Hesp ), or both ( VitC+Hesp ). Blood and urine concentrations of uric acid, vitamin C, and hesperidin metabolites were measured, along with the HOMA index as a potential confounder. Results: VitC increased plasma vitamin C levels, Hesp increased urinary excretion of hesperidin metabolites, and VitC+Hesp increased both. Higher baseline plasma vitamin C levels resulted in diminished increases in vitamin C ( VitC : r = -0.53; p = 0.02 and VitC+Hesp : r = -0.79; p < 0.001). Levels of SUA decreased in response to VitC and VitC+Hesp with no changes in urinary uric acid excretion (UUA) or clearance (UAC). The increase in plasma vitamin C was associated with a decrease in SUA ( r = -0.25; p < 0.03) with larger effects at higher baseline SUA ( r = -0.24; p = 0.03). A high HOMA index was associated with lower plasma vitamin C and elevated SUA. Conclusion: Vitamin C but not hesperidin decreased serum uric acid levels without affecting uric acid excretion. Clinical Trials registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov ; NCT04316390; July 15, 2022.

Pineapple juices were produced on a semi-industrial scale using a conventional rack-and-cloth press (RCP) and an innovative spiral filter press (SFP). The latter technology allows juice extraction under an oxygen-reduced...