Summary
This 2002 systematic screening examined total antioxidant levels across a broad range of dietary plants using standardised FRAP methodology. The work identified more than a 1000-fold variation in antioxidant content among plant foods, with berries (blackberry, blueberry, black currant), stone fruits, nuts and seeds showing highest levels. The findings provide foundational quantitative data to support hypothesis-generation about which plant foods might contribute most meaningfully to dietary antioxidant intake and chronic disease prevention, though the authors note that supplement-based intervention trials have not consistently demonstrated clinical benefit from single antioxidants.
Regional applicability
The study analysed samples from three geographic regions worldwide where possible, enhancing generalisability beyond UK conditions. However, the contribution analysis used Norwegian dietary patterns; UK consumption patterns of these plant foods may differ, affecting estimated antioxidant intake from different sources. The FRAP method and plant antioxidant rankings are directly applicable to UK dietary research and food composition databases.
Key measures
Total antioxidant concentration measured by FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assay, expressed as electron-donating antioxidant equivalents; relative contribution of plant categories (fruits, berries, cereals, vegetables) to total dietary antioxidant intake
Outcomes reported
The study quantified total antioxidant concentrations across a range of dietary plants (fruits, berries, vegetables, cereals, nuts, pulses) using the FRAP assay, identifying >1000-fold variation and ranking plant families by antioxidant content. The research estimated the contribution of different plant categories to total antioxidant intake in a Norwegian diet.
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