Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 1 — Meta-analysis / systematic reviewPeer-reviewed

A Systematic Screening of Total Antioxidants in Dietary Plants

Bente Halvorsen, Kari Holte, Mari C. W. Myhrstad, Ingrid Barikmo, Erlend Hvattum, Siv Fagertun Remberg, Anne-Brit Wold, K. Haffner, H. Baugerød, Lene Frost Andersen, Ø. Moskaug, David R. Jacobs, Rune Blomhoff

Journal of Nutrition · 2002

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Summary

This 2002 systematic screening examined total antioxidant levels across a broad range of dietary plants using standardised laboratory methods. The work appears to represent an early comprehensive attempt to characterise and rank plant foods by antioxidant capacity, contributing foundational data to understanding the antioxidant contribution of different plant-based foods to human diet. The study likely informed subsequent dietary antioxidant databases and nutrition research.

Regional applicability

The study was conducted in Norway and likely focused on plants available in Nordic and Northern European markets, though many crops studied (fruits, vegetables, herbs) are also widely consumed in the United Kingdom. The findings on relative antioxidant rankings would be broadly applicable to UK dietary contexts, though absolute values may vary with cultivar, growing conditions, and processing methods.

Key measures

Total antioxidant capacity (likely measured by in vitro assays such as ORAC, FRAP, or equivalent methods); antioxidant content in dietary plants

Outcomes reported

The study systematically measured and compared total antioxidant capacity across a range of commonly consumed dietary plants. Results likely characterised plant foods by antioxidant content to inform nutritional assessment and dietary guidance.

Theme
Nutrition & health
Subject
Phytochemicals & bioactive compounds
Study type
Systematic Review
Study design
Systematic review with laboratory analysis
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
Norway
System type
Horticulture
DOI
10.1093/jn/132.3.461
Catalogue ID
SNmqq4q1bn-wrwqr3

Topic tags

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