TY - JOUR
T1 - A randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial of aloe vera on bioavailability of Vitamins C and B 12, blood glucose, and lipid profile in healthy human subjects
AU - Yun, Jung Mi
AU - Singh, Sital
AU - Jialal, Rohan
AU - Rockwood, Jason
AU - Jialal, Ishwarlal
AU - Devaraj, Sridevi
PY - 2010/5
Y1 - 2010/5
N2 - Several factors limit the absorption and bioavailability of vitamins. Vitamin C, a commonly used water-soluble supplement reduces the risk of disease. Vitamin B 12 is necessary for the development of RBC, growth, and nervous system. Vitamin B 12 deficiency is common among elderly. Thus, agents that improve bioavailability of vitamin C and B 12, especially in older individuals would be important. Aloe Vera is a botanical with immunomodulatory properties. Aloe is processed using the hand-filleted technique or whole leaf procedure. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of two different aloe vera preparations (aloe inner leaf gel, AG and aloe whole leaf decolorized gel, AL) compared to placebo on the bioavailability of vitamins, C and B 12, in healthy human volunteers in a randomized crossover trial. Subjects (n = 15) received in a random fashion either aloe whole leaf extract (AL with vitamins B 12, 1 mg and vitamin C 500 mg) or aloe fillet gel (AG with B 12 1 mg and vitamin C 500 mg) or water (with vitamin B 12 1 mg and vitamin C 500 mg). Blood was obtained fasting, followed by 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 24 hours postingestion of aloe/water. When given with vitamins C and B 12, AG significantly increased plasma oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) at both 4 and 24 hours and AL at 4 hours compared to baseline and placebo. AG significantly increased plasma vitamin C at 4, 6, 8, and 24 hours and AL at 4 and 6 hours compared to baseline and placebo (p <.01). Also, both aloes significantly increased serum vitamin B 12 levels at 1 and 2 hours compared to baseline and placebo (p <.01). Thus, AG and AL preparations are safe, well tolerated, and enhance the bioavailability of vitamins C and B 12 and antioxidant potential.
AB - Several factors limit the absorption and bioavailability of vitamins. Vitamin C, a commonly used water-soluble supplement reduces the risk of disease. Vitamin B 12 is necessary for the development of RBC, growth, and nervous system. Vitamin B 12 deficiency is common among elderly. Thus, agents that improve bioavailability of vitamin C and B 12, especially in older individuals would be important. Aloe Vera is a botanical with immunomodulatory properties. Aloe is processed using the hand-filleted technique or whole leaf procedure. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of two different aloe vera preparations (aloe inner leaf gel, AG and aloe whole leaf decolorized gel, AL) compared to placebo on the bioavailability of vitamins, C and B 12, in healthy human volunteers in a randomized crossover trial. Subjects (n = 15) received in a random fashion either aloe whole leaf extract (AL with vitamins B 12, 1 mg and vitamin C 500 mg) or aloe fillet gel (AG with B 12 1 mg and vitamin C 500 mg) or water (with vitamin B 12 1 mg and vitamin C 500 mg). Blood was obtained fasting, followed by 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 24 hours postingestion of aloe/water. When given with vitamins C and B 12, AG significantly increased plasma oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) at both 4 and 24 hours and AL at 4 hours compared to baseline and placebo. AG significantly increased plasma vitamin C at 4, 6, 8, and 24 hours and AL at 4 and 6 hours compared to baseline and placebo (p <.01). Also, both aloes significantly increased serum vitamin B 12 levels at 1 and 2 hours compared to baseline and placebo (p <.01). Thus, AG and AL preparations are safe, well tolerated, and enhance the bioavailability of vitamins C and B 12 and antioxidant potential.
KW - Aloe
KW - Bioavailability
KW - Elderly
KW - Gel
KW - Vitamins
KW - Whole leaf
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U2 - 10.3109/19390211003781693
DO - 10.3109/19390211003781693
M3 - Article
C2 - 22435613
AN - SCOPUS:77952571140
VL - 7
SP - 145
EP - 153
JO - Journal of Dietary Supplements
JF - Journal of Dietary Supplements
SN - 1939-0211
IS - 2
ER -