A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging1 studied the effects of a citrus and pomegranate complex (Actiful from BioActor BV, based in Maastricht, the Netherlands) on the physical fitness and mental well-being of healthy elderly subjects aged 60-75 years . crossover trial, 36 subjects received either the complex (two 350 mg gelatin capsules) or a placebo daily for four weeks. After a four-week washout period, the intervention was changed for each subject for another four weeks. Subjects completed a grip strength test and a senior fitness test, as well as a quality of life questionnaire (WHO-QOL-100) and gave blood samples before the start and at the end of each four-week intervention period.
The results showed a significant improvement in hand grip strength compared to placebo, as well as a time-treatment interaction on the psychological function domain of the WHO-QOL-100 questionnaire. Researchers separately study the five facets that make up psychological function, including: positive feelings; thinking, learning, memory and concentration; self-esteem; body image and appearance; and negative feelings. The results showed that supplementation resulted in a significant temporal treatment effect on thinking, learning, memory, and concentration, compared to placebo. Blood samples also showed significant reductions in malondialdehyde (MDA), a biomarker of oxidative stress, compared to placebo.
Reference
- Ahles S et al. “The effect of a citrus and pomegranate complex on physical fitness and mental well-being in healthy older adults: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.” Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging, flight. 26 (2022); 839-846, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12603-022-1834-4
