Keen readers of the BJN will have noticed the recent appearance of ‘conflict of interest’ statements and of more complete descriptions of the contribution of each author to the publication. I have introduced these innovations in order to increase the transparency of the articles that we publish in the BJN; further strategies to increase accuracy, transparency and accountability of papers published in the journal will follow in order to encourage a climate of intellectual honesty and to decrease the risk of misconduct. In particular, the journal will follow as closely as possible the recommendations and guidelines of the Committee on Publishing Ethics (COPE)(1) and of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE)(2). COPE and ICMJE have made available a range of guidelines aimed at establishing best practice in scientific publishing. These include guidelines for authors and for the conduct of reviewers, editorial boards and editors. Many of the guidelines are already followed by the BJN, but others are not yet fully in place.

Observational studies have shown a more favourable cardiovascular risk profile in consumers of fruit and vegetables than in non-consumers. Fruit and vegetable intake is usually associated with lower levels of serum cholesterol1 and lower blood pressure2. Furthermore, the increase in cardiovascular risk factors with ageing tends to be slower in fruit and vegetable consumers3,4 resulting in less coronary and cerebrovascular events5–8.

Increasing evidence suggests that a low dietary intake of the n-3 long-chain PUFA EPA and DHA may contribute not only to the risks for various physical illnesses (particularly cardiovascular and immune system disorders), but also to many disorders of mental health and performance1,2. From their recent comprehensive review of the evidence for these n-3 fatty acids in the prevention and treatment of psychiatric disorders3, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) made the following recommendations:

Micronutrient deficiencies are frequently associated with tuberculosis (TB) worldwide. We tested the effect of exogenous vitamin E on proliferation and cytokine production of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from TB patients and healthy purified protein derivative (PPD)+ volunteers. Proliferation was stimulated with mycobacterial antigen (PPD) and evaluated by the incorporation of tritiated thymidine in PBMC cultured with or without 50 μm-vitamin E for 6 d. Cytokine production (IL-2 and interferon (IFN)-γ) was determined by intracellular cytokine staining and by ELISA in the supernatant of PBMC stimulated for 24 h with phytohaemagglutinin or PPD. Our results show that culture with vitamin E increased (P ≤ 0·05) the antigen-induced proliferation of PBMC in TB patients but not in healthy PPD+ volunteers. No significant changes in the number of cytokine-producing cells or in the production of IFN-γ were observed with vitamin E treatment. These results indicate that vitamin E may enhance the antigen-specific in vitro response of PBMC from TB patients.

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia; BM) has been shown to ameliorate diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. To examine the effect of BM supplementation on cell size and lipid metabolism in adipose tissues, three groups of rats were respectively fed a high-fat diet supplemented without (HF group) or with 5 % lyophilised BM powder (HFB group), or with 0·01 % thiazolidinedione (TZD) (HFT group). A group of rats fed a low-fat diet was also included as a normal control. Hyperinsulinaemia and glucose intolerance were observed in the HF group but not in HFT and HFB groups. Although the number of large adipocytes (>180 μm) of both the HFB and HFT groups was significantly lower than that of the HF group, the adipose tissue mass, TAG content and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity of the HFB group were significantly lower than those of the HFT group, implying that BM might reduce lipogenesis in adipose tissue. Experiment 2 was then conducted to examine the expression of lipogenic genes in adipose tissues of rats fed low-fat, HF or HFB diets. The HFB group showed significantly lower mRNA levels of fatty acid synthase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase-1, lipoprotein lipase and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein than the HF group (P < 0·05). These results indicate BM can reduce insulin resistance as effective as the anti-diabetic drug TZD. Furthermore, BM can suppress the visceral fat accumulation and inhibit adipocyte hypertrophy, which may be associated with markedly down regulated expressions of lipogenic genes in the adipose.

Lower CVD incidence is reported in Asian populations consuming soya-containing food. As polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) are involved in the risk of CVD, we investigated the modulatory effect of soya isoflavones on several PMN functions and their molecular mechanisms in vitro. PMN, isolated from blood from healthy subjects, were tested upon activation with 1 μm- n-formyl-methyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) for superoxide anion production (ferric cytochrome c reduction) and released elastase (chromogenic test). PMN homotypic aggregates stimulated by fMLP or P-selectin in dynamic conditions were detected by optical microscopy. PMN, mixed with thrombin-activated, washed platelets, formed cell aggregates, measured by flow cytometry. Phosphorylation of Pyk2, a focal adhesion kinase, was studied by immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting with specific antibodies. Genistein, daidzein and equol inhibited superoxide anion production (IC50 0·25 (sem 0·1), 21·0 (sem 4·2) and 13·0 (sem 2·8) μm, respectively); the release of elastase was prevented by genistein (IC50 63 (sem 17) μm). PMN homotypic aggregates, stimulated by fMLP, were significantly reduced (24 (sem 12) and 51 (sem 14) % of control) by 100 μm genistein and equol. P-selectin-induced aggregates were reduced to 19 (sem 6), 44 (sem 10) and 28 (sem 9) % of control by 100 μm genistein, daidzein and equol, respectively. Genistein, daidzein and equol also significantly reduced mixed platelet-PMN aggregates (IC50 4·0 (sem 0·9), 57 (sem 6) and 66 (sem 23) μm, respectively). In PMN challenged by fMLP or P-selectin, activation of Pyk2 was prevented by isoflavones. The cardioprotective effect of soya-containing food might be linked to reduction of PMN activation and PMN-platelet interaction, novel targets for the biological effects of soya isoflavones.

We previously reported that in rats, long-term Zn deficiency significantly reduced taste sensitivity and total carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity in the submandibular gland. We therefore investigated the effects of Zn deficiency on salivary secretion and the expressions of CA isozymes (II and VI) in the rat submandibular gland, since those isozymes are thought to be related to taste sensation and salivary secretion. Male Sprague–Dawley rats, age 4 weeks, were divided into three groups (Zn-def, low-Zn and pair-fed, that were fed a diet containing 2·2, 4·1 or 33·7 mg Zn/kg, respectively, for 42 d). Northern blot analysis indicated that Zn deficiency reduced CA II mRNA expression in the submandibular gland without reducing CA VI mRNA expression. In Western blot analysis, Zn deficiency significantly reduced CA II (erythrocyte CA) protein expression in the submandibular gland without reducing CA VI protein expression. Salivary secretion was lower in the Zn-def group than in the pair-fed group. These results suggest that decreased CA isozyme II expression underlies the decreased CA activity previously reported in the submandibular gland in Zn-def rats, and this may reduce regular salivary secretion.

Recent data reported that inulin-type fructans extracted from chicory roots regulate appetite and lipid/glucose metabolism, namely, by promoting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) production in the colon. The Agave genus growing in different regions of Mexico also contains important amounts of original fructans, with interesting nutritional and technological properties, but only few data report their physiological effect when added in the diet. Therefore, we decided to evaluate in parallel the effect of supplementation with 10 % agave or chicory fructans on glucose and lipid metabolism in mice. Male C57Bl/6J mice were fed a standard (STD) diet or diet supplemented with Raftilose P95 (RAF), fructans from Agave tequilana Gto. (TEQ) or fructans from Dasylirion spp. (DAS) for 5 weeks. The body weight gain and food intake in mice fed fructans-containing diets were significantly lower than the ones of mice fed the STD diet, TEQ leading to the lowest value. Serum glucose and cholesterol were similarly lower in all fructans-fed groups than in the STD group and correlated to body weight gain. Only RAF led to a significant decrease in serum TAG. As previously shown for RAF, the supplementation with agave fructans (TEQ and DAS) induced a higher concentration of GLP-1 and its precursor, proglucagon mRNA, in the different colonic segments, thus suggesting that fermentable fructans from different botanical origin and chemical structure are able to promote the production of satietogenic/incretin peptides in the lower part of the gut, with promising effects on glucose metabolism, body weight and fat mass development.

The importance of folic acid and the methionine cycle in fetal development is well recognised even though the mechanism has not been established. Since the cycle is active in the maternal liver, poor folate status may modify hepatic metabolism. Pregnant rats were fed diets deficient in folic acid (–F) or in three key methyl donors, folic acid, choline and methionine (–FLMLC) and the maternal liver was analysed on day 21 of gestation. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of soluble proteins identified differentially abundant proteins, which could be allocated into nine functional groups. Five involved in metabolic processes, namely, folate/methionine cycle, tyrosine metabolism, protein metabolism, energy metabolism and lipid metabolism, and three in cellular processes, namely, endoplasmic reticulum function, bile production and antioxidant defence. The mRNA for sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c and acetyl-CoA carboxylase-1 (fatty acid synthesis) were decreased by both –F and –FLMLC diets. The mRNA for PPARα and PPARγ and carnitine palmitoyl transferase (fatty acid oxidation) were increased in the animals fed the –FLMLC diets. Changes in the abundance of proteins associated with intracellular lipid transport suggest that folate deficiency interferes with lipid export. Reduced fatty acid synthesis appeared to prevent steatosis in animals fed the –F diet. Even with increased oxidation, TAG concentrations were approximately three-fold higher in animals fed the –FLMLC diet and were associated with an increase in the relative abundance of proteins associated with oxidative stress. Fetal development may be indirectly affected by these changes in hepatic lipid metabolism.

The nutritional consequences of algae consumption in young populations consuming hypercholesterolaemic diets have hardly been investigated. This study tests the effect of algae supplementation of cholesterol-enriched balanced diets on growth, dietary efficiency ratio, mineral intake and absorption, organ weight and structure and cholesterolaemia in growing Wistar rats. Three groups of ten rats each were fed for 3 weeks with experimental diets containing 93 % casein-soyabean oil base with 2·4 % cholesterol-raising agent and 7 % supplement. The control group received cellulose (35 %), group 2 consumed Nori (33·8 % fibre) and group 3 consumed Konbu (36·1 % fibre). Food intake and body weight gain were not significantly affected. Algae groups presented significantly higher dietary efficiency ratio values than control rats. Apparent absorption of several minerals appeared significantly affected, mainly in Nori-fed rats, with a significant decrease in the ratio of Zn and Cu intakes and apparent absorption. Nori diet significantly decreased plasma cholesterol. Algae supplement did not significantly affect organ size and structure. Control and Konbu rats showed severe liver fat infiltration, while Nori rats exhibited a significantly lower degree of lipid-like hepatocyte vacuolization but light to moderate leukocyte infiltration. Light to moderate scaling off of the epithelium and moderate submucosa oedema was observed in all groups. Although long-term studies are needed to check the possible extrapolation of these data to human subjects, it can be concluded that a Nori, but not a Konbu, dietary supplement reverses the negative effect of dietary cholesterol intake and also appears to be related to mineral availability in growing subjects.

Soya protein has well-documented beneficial effects on serum lipid levels in adults, the potential beneficial effect of a prolonged soya protein-substituted diet in children and adolescents with familial (FH) and polygenic hypercholesterolaemia (PH) being unknown. To assess the effect of 3 months’ treatment of children and adolescents with FH and PH with a soya-substituted diet on serum lipids and lipoproteins, twenty-three children and adolescents were initially assigned to a standard phase 1 diet for 3 months, after which they were instructed to include soya protein (0·25–0·5 g/kg body weight) into their diet for 3 months. Sixteen patients (ten males and six females, thirteen with FH (eight males and five females), three with PH (two males and one female); mean age 8·8 (sd 4·2) years (range 4–18 years); mean BMI 16·7 (sd 2·6) kg/m2)) completed both phases. The phase 1 diet resulted in a significant reduction of total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol and apo B by 12·3, 11·8 and 10·6 %, respectively, HDL-cholesterol, TAG, apo A1 and lipoprotein(a) not being different. Dietary intake of soya protein during phase 2 resulted in a significant decrease of TC, LDL-cholesterol and apo B by 7·7, 6·4, and 12·6 %, respectively. TAG, HDL-cholesterol, apo A1, and lipoprotein(a) did not change significantly. Substitution of soya protein for animal protein in a low-fat, fat-modified diet is of additional benefit in many, but not all, children and adolescents with FH and PH when aiming at lowering serum TC, LDL and apo B. It seems to be a feasible long-term dietary lifestyle intervention and may grant additive benefit in the prevention of early vascular disease.

Chicory roots are rich in inulin that is degraded into SCFA in the caecum and colon. Whole-body SCFA metabolism was investigated in rats during food deprivation and postprandial states. After 22 h of food deprivation, sixteen rats received an IV injection of radioactive 14C-labelled SCFA. The volume of distribution and the fractional clearance rate of SCFA were 0·25–0·27 litres/kg and 5·4–5·9 %/min, respectively. The half-life in the first extracellular rapidly decaying compartment was between 0·9 and 1·4 min. After 22 h of food deprivation, another seventeen rats received a primed continuous IV infusion of 13C-labelled SCFA for 2 h. Isotope enrichment (13C) of SCFA was determined in peripheral arterial blood by MS. Peripheral acetate, propionate and butyrate turnover rates were 29, 4 and 0·3 μmol/kg per min respectively. Following 4 weeks of treatment with chicory root or control diets, eighteen fed rats received a primed continuous IV infusion of 13C-labelled SCFA for 2 h. Intestinal degradation of dietary chicory lowered caecal pH, enhanced caecal and colonic weights, caecal SCFA concentrations and breath H2.The diet with chicory supplementation enhanced peripheral acetate turnover by 25 % (P = 0·017) concomitant with an increase in plasma acetate concentration. There were no changes in propionate or butyrate turnovers. In conclusion, by setting up a multi-tracer approach to simultaneously assess the turnovers of acetate, propionate and butyrate it was demonstrated that a chronic chicory-rich diet significantly increases peripheral acetate turnover but not that of propionate or butyrate in rats.

Protein–energy malnutrition promotes adaptive hormonal changes that result in stunting. A previous study showed that stunted children had increased insulin sensitivity and diminished pancreatic β-cell function. The objectives of the present study were to analyse the glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin sensitivity (HOMA-S) and homeostasis model assessment of pancreatic β-cell function (HOMA-B) levels after nutritional recovery. The recovered group (n 62) consisted of malnourished children after treatment at a nutrition rehabilitation centre. At the beginning of treatment their age was 2·41 (sd 1·28) and 2·31 (sd 1·08) years, weight-for-age Z score − 2·09 (sd 0·94) and − 2·05 (sd 0·55) and height-for-age Z score − 1·85 (sd 1·11) and − 1·56 (sd 0·90), for boys and girls respectively. The control group consisted of well-nourished children without treatment (n 26). After treatment, boys of the recovered group gained 1·29 (sd 1·06) Z scores of height-for-age and 1·14 (sd 0·99) Z scores of weight-for-age, and girls, 1·12 (sd 0·91) and 1·21 (sd 0·74) Z scores respectively. No differences were found between control and recovered groups in insulin levels for boys (P = 0·704) and girls (P = 0·408), HOMA-B for boys (P = 0·451) and girls (P = 0·330), and HOMA-S (P = 0·765) for boys and girls (P = 0·456) respectively. The present study shows that the changes observed previously in glucose metabolism and insulin were reverted in children who received adequate treatment at nutritional rehabilitation centres and showed linear catch-up.

Biochanin A is an isoflavone isolated from red clover (Trifolium pratense), and is a commercially available nutraceutical for women suffering from postmenopausal symptoms. Isoflavones resemble the structure of oestrogen, and display agonistic and antagonistic interactions with the oestrogen receptor. Overexposure of oestrogen is a major contributing factor in the development of breast cancer, and cytochrome P450 (CYP) 19 enzyme, or aromatase, catalyses the reaction converting androgen to oestrogen. In the present study the effect of biochanin A on the gene regulation and enzyme activity of aromatase was investigated. By assaying MCF-7 cells stably transfected with CYP19, biochanin A inhibited aromatase activity and hampered cell growth attributing to the enzyme activity. In addition, 25 μm-biochanin A significantly reduced CYP19 mRNA abundance in the oestrogen receptor-negative breast cancer cells SK-BR-3. The transcriptional control of the CYP19 gene is exon-specific, and promoter regions I.3 and II have been shown to be responsible for CYP19 expression in SK-BR-3 cells. Luciferase reporter gene assays also revealed that biochanin A could repress the transcriptional control dictated by the promoter regulation. Interestingly, genistein did not inhibit aromatase but it might down regulate promoter I.3 and II transactivation. Since genistein is a major metabolite of biochanin A, it might contribute to biochanin A's suppressive effect on CYP19 expression. The present study illustrated that biochanin A inhibited CYP19 activity and gene expression.

A comparative, randomised, double-blind trial was performed in the medical departments of five hospitals to study the effects of regular consumption of short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (sc-FOS) on the digestive comfort of subjects with minor functional bowel disorders (FBD). In step 1, 2235 subjects were questioned to assess the incidence and intensity of digestive disorders. In step 2, 105 of these patients diagnosed with minor FBD were randomised into two groups to receive either 5 g sc-FOS or 5 g placebo (sucrose and maltodextrins) per d over a 6-week period. The incidence and intensity of digestive disorders were assessed at the end of the treatment period (day 43) using the step 1 questionnaires. A quality-of-life questionnaire was also completed at the start and end of the treatment period to assess potential effects on well-being and social performance. In step 1, 44 % of the subjects questioned presented FBD, of whom 57·1 % suffered from minor FBD. In step 2, on day 43, the intensity of digestive disorders decreased by 43·6 % in the sc-FOS group v. a 13·8 % increase in the placebo group (P = 0·026). Symptoms were experienced less frequently by 75·0 % of subjects in the sc-FOS group, while 53·8 % of controls experienced no change (P = 0·064). Using the functional digestive disorders quality of life questionnaire, the discomfort item scores increased in the sc-FOS group (P = 0·031). However, expressed as change in quality of life (improvement, worsening or unchanged), daily activities were significantly improved in the sc-FOS group (P = 0.022). Regular consumption of sc-FOS may improve digestive comfort in a working population not undergoing medical treatment.

Iodine intake is important for thyroid function. Iodine content of natural waters is high in some areas and occurs bound in humic substances. Tap water is a major dietary source but bioavailability of organically bound iodine may be impaired. The objective was to assess if naturally occurring iodine bound in humic substances is bioavailable. Tap water was collected at Randers and Skagen waterworks and spot urine samples were collected from 430 long-term Randers and Skagen dwellers, who filled in a questionnaire. Tap water contained 2 μg/l elemental iodine in Randers and 140 μg/l iodine bound in humic substances in Skagen. Median (25; 75 percentile) urinary iodine excretion among Randers and Skagen dwellers not using iodine-containing supplements was 50 (37; 83) μg/24 h and 177 (137; 219) μg/24 h respectively (P < 0·001). The fraction of samples with iodine below 100 μg/24 h was 85·0 % in Randers and 6·5 % in Skagen (P < 0·001). Use of iodine-containing supplements increased urinary iodine by 60 μg/24 h (P < 0·001). This decreased the number of samples with iodine below 100 μg/24 h to 67·3 % and 5·0 % respectively, but increased the number of samples with iodine above 300 μg/24 h to 2·4 % and 16·1 %. Bioavailability of iodine in humic substances in Skagen tap water was about 85 %. Iodine in natural waters may be elemental or found in humic substances. The fraction available suggests an importance of drinking water supply for population iodine intake, although this may not be adequate to estimate population iodine intake.

Intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) and plasma NEFA are important skeletal muscle fuel sources. By raising blood insulin concentrations, carbohydrate ingestion inhibits lypolysis and reduces circulating NEFA. We hypothesised that differences in the postprandial glycaemic and insulin response to carbohydrates (i.e. glycaemic index; GI) could alter NEFA availability and IMCL use during subsequent exercise. Endurance-trained individuals (n 7) cycled for 90 min at 70 % V˙O2peak and then consumed either high GI (HGI) or low GI (LGI) meals over the following 12 h. The following day after an overnight fast, the 90 min cycle was repeated. IMCL content of the vastus lateralis was quantified using magnetic resonance spectroscopy before and after exercise. Blood samples were collected at 15 min intervals throughout exercise and analysed for NEFA, glycerol, glucose, insulin, and lactate. Substrate oxidation was calculated from expired air samples. The 90 min cycle resulted in >2-fold greater reduction in IMCL in the HGI trial (3·5 (sem 1·0) mm/kg wet weight) than the LGI trial (1·6 (sem 0·3) mm/kg wet weight, P < 0·05). During exercise, NEFA availability was reduced in the HGI trial compared to the LGI trial (area under curve 2·36 (sem 0·14) mEq/l per h v. 3·14 (sem 0·28) mEq/l per h, P < 0·05 respectively). No other differences were significant. The findings suggest that HGI carbohydrates reduce NEFA availability during exercise and increase reliance on IMCL as a substrate source during moderate intensity exercise.

Soya isoflavones, genistein and daidzein, are the focus of numerous studies investigating their potential effects on health and results remain controversial. Bioavailability is clearly a crucial factor influencing their bioefficacy and could explain these discrepancies. This study aimed at assessing: (1) the isoflavone content of sixty-nine European soya-derivative products sold on the French market; (2) the bioavailability of isoflavones comparing supplement with food. Twelve healthy volunteers were recruited in a randomized two-way crossover trial and received 35 mg isoflavones equivalent aglycone either through supplements or through cheese, both containing different patterns of isoflavone conjugates and different daidzein:genistein ratios. A specific ELISA method was used to assess the plasma and urinary concentrations of isoflavones and thus the pharmacokinetic parameters, which were then normalized to mg of each isoflavone ingested. Results showed that the normalized Cmax of daidzein (P = 0·002) and similarly the normalized AUC0 → ∞ and Cmax of genistein (P = 0·002) from soya-based capsules were higher than that from soya-based cheese. In conclusion, this work completes studies on isoflavone bioavailability and presents new data regarding isoflavone concentrations in soya-derivative products. Assuming that isoflavone conjugation patterns do not influence isoflavone bioavailability, this study shows that isoflavones contained in capsules are more bioavailable than those contained in soya-based cheese. Although the supplement is more bioavailable, the relative importance of this is difficult to interpret as there is little evidence that supplements are biologically active in human subjects to date and further studies will be necessary for this specific supplement to prove its efficacy.

Despite an increasing trend towards the use of convenience food, there is to date little debate on it in the nutritional sciences. In the present study, we present and evaluate data on consumption frequencies and composition of savoury convenience food in German families using data from the Dortmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed (DONALD) Study. The DONALD Study is an ongoing, longitudinal (open cohort) study (started 1985), collecting detailed data on diet, development, and metabolism in infants, children and adolescents. Dietary intake was measured by yearly repeated 3 d weighed dietary records (n 1558) in 554 subjects (278 boys; 276 girls), 3–18 years old, between 2003 and 2006. A total of 1345 (86%) 3 d dietary records mentioned consumption of at least one convenience food. Convenience food consumption (percentage of total food intake, g/d) increased with age from approximately 3% in the 3–8 year olds to 7% in 14–18-year-old boys and 5% in 14–18-year-old girls (P < 0·0001) but remained constant during the study period. Convenience foods contributed more to total fat (g/d) (P < 0·001) and less to total carbohydrate (P < 0·0001) than to total energy (kJ/d) intake. The 700 convenience-food products recorded by our sample had on average fourteen ingredients; 4% were flavourings and 16% were food additives. In conclusion, convenience foods were widely consumed by our sample of German children and adolescents and their consumption increased with age. The composition of convenience food was characterised by a high fat content and a high number of flavourings and food additives.

Elevated circulating concentrations of oxidized LDL (OxLDL) and cell adhesion molecules are considered to be relevant markers of oxidative stress and endothelial activation which are implicated in the development of CVD. On the other hand, it has been suggested that dietary flavonoid consumption may be cardioprotective through possible favourable impacts on LDL particle oxidation and endothelial activation. The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of the daily consumption of low-calorie cranberry juice cocktail on plasma OxLDL, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and E-selectin concentrations in men. Thirty men (mean age 51 (sd 10) years) were recruited and asked to consume increasing daily doses of cranberry juice cocktail (125, 250 and 500 ml/d) over three successive periods of 4 weeks. Plasma OxLDL and adhesion molecule concentrations were measured by ELISA before and after each phase. We noted a significant decrease in plasma OxLDL concentrations following the intervention (P < 0·0001). We also found that plasma ICAM-1 (P < 0·0001) and VCAM-1 (P < 0·05) concentrations decreased significantly during the course of the study. In summary, the present results show that daily cranberry juice cocktail consumption is associated with decreases in plasma OxLDL, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 concentrations in men.