Polyphenol Supplement May Help Improve Health-Related Quality of Life

Polyphenols are natural compounds with antioxidant properties that occur in many fruits, vegetables, and herbs. A new study suggests that supplementation with polyphenols may help improve health-related quality of life for overweight and obese people.

Seventy-two overweight or obese healthy adults participated in the study. They were given a supplement containing 900 mg of a polyphenol-rich extract from grapefruit, grape, green tea, guarana, and black carrot or a placebo daily for 16 weeks. Health-related quality of life was assessed at baseline and at the end of the study period using the Short-Form 36 health survey. Daily physical activity was monitored, and body composition was analyzed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Participants in the polyphenol group saw a 5.3% improvement in health-related quality of life, including an 11.2% improvement in perceived physical health and a 4.1% improvement in perceived mental health. The greatest contributors to these improvements were bodily pain, vitality, and general health.

In addition, participants in the polyphenol group saw a decrease in body weight of 2.1 pounds, a 2.1-pound decrease in body mass, and a .5-inch decrease in waist circumference. Engagement in physical activity significantly increased. 

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Murcia. It was published on February 2, 2021 in the journal Nutrients