Vegetable Proprietary Blend
Also known as: vegetable blend, greens blend, vegetable powder mix, fruit and vegetable concentrate, greens powder, Vegetable Proprietary Blend
Overview
A Vegetable Proprietary Blend is a commercial term for a dietary supplement containing a mixture of powdered or concentrated forms of various vegetables, such as kale, spinach, and carrots. The exact composition varies significantly by manufacturer and is often undisclosed due to proprietary reasons. These blends are primarily used to supplement dietary intake of vegetable-derived nutrients, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, particularly when an individual's consumption of whole vegetables is insufficient. They aim to support general nutrition, antioxidant status, and cardiovascular health. While research on specific proprietary blends is limited due to their variable and often opaque compositions, studies on fruit and vegetable concentrates generally support modest benefits, particularly in blood pressure reduction.
Benefits
Vegetable Proprietary Blends offer several evidence-based benefits, primarily related to cardiovascular health. The most consistent and well-supported benefit is blood pressure reduction. Studies have shown systolic blood pressure reductions of approximately 4 mm Hg in normotensive individuals and up to 10 mm Hg in hypertensive subjects after 3 months of supplementation with vegetable or fruit-vegetable powder blends. This effect is largely attributed to increased plasma nitrate/nitrite levels, leading to vasodilation and improved endothelial function, with some studies observing diastolic blood pressure reductions of around 9% within 2 weeks in healthy normotensive males. These blood pressure reductions are clinically meaningful and can contribute to reduced cardiovascular risk. While less consistent, some research also suggests potential improvements in antioxidant status and lipid profiles. Hypertensive individuals appear to experience more pronounced blood pressure reductions compared to normotensive subjects. The benefits are typically observed within 2 weeks to 3 months of consistent supplementation.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for Vegetable Proprietary Blends, especially those rich in nitrates, involves the conversion of dietary nitrates into nitric oxide (NO) within the body. Nitrates from vegetables are reduced to nitrites by oral bacteria, which are then further converted to NO in the acidic environment of the stomach and by enzymes in tissues. Nitric oxide is a potent vasodilator, meaning it relaxes and widens blood vessels, thereby improving endothelial function and reducing blood pressure. This process primarily interacts with the cardiovascular system. Additionally, the various phytochemicals and antioxidants present in these blends may contribute to improved antioxidant defense systems and potentially influence lipid metabolism, though these pathways are less consistently demonstrated.
Side effects
Vegetable Proprietary Blends are generally considered safe, with no serious adverse effects reported in randomized controlled trials lasting up to 3 months. The most commonly reported side effect is mild taste complaints, such as a 'grassy' taste, which is typically not severe enough to cause discontinuation. Uncommon or rare side effects have not been documented in the reviewed literature. However, caution is advised regarding potential drug interactions, particularly with antihypertensive medications. Due to the blood pressure-lowering effects of these blends, there is a risk of additive effects when taken concurrently with blood pressure-lowering drugs, which could lead to hypotension. While no formal contraindications are established, individuals with hypotension or those already on blood pressure medication should consult a healthcare professional before use. Data on special populations such as pregnant women, children, or individuals with severe chronic diseases are limited, so use in these groups should be approached with caution.
Dosage
The optimal dosage for Vegetable Proprietary Blends is not standardized and varies significantly by product due to the proprietary nature of their formulations. Studies demonstrating efficacy have utilized a range of doses, from 2 ounces of a liquid blend daily to unspecified amounts of powder blends delivering nitrate-rich vegetable concentrates. Generally, effective doses in research correspond to several grams of vegetable equivalents daily. There is no established maximum safe dose, as no adverse effects have been reported at the dosages studied. For best results, daily supplementation is recommended, with benefits typically observed within a few weeks. Liquid nitrate-rich supplements may offer faster absorption and more rapid effects compared to powdered forms. To maximize the bioavailability of nitrates, it is important to maintain a healthy oral microbiome, as bacteria play a crucial role in converting nitrates to nitrites; therefore, avoiding antibacterial mouthwash is advisable. No specific cofactors are identified as required for efficacy.
FAQs
Does "Vegetable Proprietary Blend" guarantee adequate vegetable intake?
While these blends provide concentrated vegetable nutrients, they do not fully replace the fiber and complete nutrient spectrum found in whole vegetables. They should be seen as a supplement, not a substitute.
Is it safe for long-term use?
Short- to medium-term use (up to 3 months) appears safe based on current research. However, long-term safety data are limited, and more studies are needed to confirm prolonged safety.
Will it lower blood pressure?
Evidence suggests these blends can modestly reduce blood pressure, particularly in individuals with hypertension, primarily due to their nitrate content and subsequent nitric oxide production.
Are proprietary blends less transparent?
Yes, the exact amounts of individual ingredients in proprietary blends are often undisclosed by manufacturers, which can make it challenging to assess their precise efficacy and safety.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2732245/ – This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of a proprietary greens blend (NanoGreens10) on hypertensive adults over 3 months. It found a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (approximately 10 mm Hg) with no reported adverse effects, suggesting a potential benefit for blood pressure management.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6912365/ – This systematic review synthesized findings from multiple randomized controlled trials on fruit and vegetable concentrates. It concluded that these concentrates can modestly reduce systolic blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, and BMI, highlighting their potential role in cardiovascular health, despite heterogeneity among the studied blends.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2018/1729653 – This double-blind, randomized controlled trial examined the effects of a nitrate-rich fruit/vegetable supplement in healthy normotensive males over 2 weeks. It demonstrated increased plasma nitrate levels and a significant 9% reduction in diastolic blood pressure, supporting the role of dietary nitrates in improving vascular function.
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