Influence of a drink containing different antioxidants and Lactobacillus plantarum 299v on plasma total antioxidant capacity, selenium status and faecal microbial flora.

The aim of the study was to investigate whether a supplement of antioxidants to subjects with a high working pace can influence the antioxidant capacity. The study was parallel and double blind with 98 subjects randomised into two groups. One of the groups was given a test drink with antioxidants for 4 weeks (450 ml/day) while the other group took a corresponding amount of placebo drink. The test drink contained: 2 mg beta-carotene/100 ml, 40 mg alpha-tocopherol/100 ml, 80 mg ascorbic acid/100 ml, 2 mg pyridoxine/100 ml, 15 mg magnesium/100 ml, 0.2 mg manganese/100 ml, 1 mg zinc/100 ml, 0.1 mg copper/100 ml and 10 microg selenium/100 ml. Consumption of the test drink for 4 weeks increased the total plasma antioxidant capacity by 7% (ferric reducing ability of plasma method, P<0.05 compared with the placebo group), and the content of selenium and selenoprotein P in serum was raised by 16-17% (P<0.001 compared with the placebo group). No significant changes were found in the placebo group. The test drink also contained Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (5 x 10(7) cfu/ml) and 4 weeks' consumption led to a significant increase of Lb. plantarum 299v in the faeces. In conclusion, consumption of a drink rich in different antioxidants can increase the antioxidant capacity in subjects with a high working pace. This can be valuable since it may increase the protection against reactive oxygen radicals.