Review evidences skin anti-aging benefits from fruit and extracts consumption

07 Aug 2023 --- China-based researchers have found that consuming fruits and their extracts “significantly enhances skin hydration and reduces transcutaneous water loss” – water loss from deep skin tissue through evaporation and diffusion. The researchers reviewed seven randomized controlled trials that investigate the link between ingesting fruit and fruit extracts and skin aging.

Aside from these hydration benefits, the review found no significant statistical differences in fruit intake regarding skin elasticity, wrinkle depth, or minimal erythema dose (MED). MED refers to the minimum UV radiation dose or exposure time for the skin to produce the lowest level of erythema – redness caused by injury or environmental factors, such as sunburn. 

However, the review’s authors note there is limited quality evidence for the safety and efficacy of fruit and fruit extract consumption in improving skin aging. 

Findings from the study are salient as the beauty-from-within segment continues to expand with brands shifting to lifestyle-focused plant-based supplements for overall well-being and holistic health. 

Study selection 
In their review, the researchers selected randomized controlled trials that assessed skin hydration, MED, skin elasticity, wrinkle depth and transepidermal water loss. They included studies with healthy individuals of any gender or race between 18 and 70, only focusing on trials that compared fruits with placebo or lower doses of the same fruit. 

As the seven studies reviewed involved multiple ethnic groups, the authors grouped participants into Asians and non-Asians for its meta-analysis study. The clinical trials used different types of fruit extracts, including a red orange complex, extract of green mandarins, lingonberry extract, dry amla fruit extract, avocado and a mango variety. 

The clinical trials tested different fruits, such as extract of green mandarins, lingonberry extract, avocado and mango.Skin hydration was assessed in five studies among 341 participants. The studies looked at the effects of different fruit extract formulations, including capsules and tablets, while one study involved the consumption of avocados. 

Though the authors note a high degree of heterogeneity among the studies, they found statistical support for promoting skin hydration by ingesting fruit or its extracts. 

Two studies measured the effects of fruit extract consumption on transepidermal water loss with 186 participants. 

Overall, the review found a “significant difference” between the fruit extract and placebo groups. However, the authors underscore strong variations between tested skin areas, types of fruit extract and preparation methods in the research papers.  

Further research needed   
The researchers note that fruit and their extracts have a complex mechanism of action on the skin as it involves nutrients and phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamins and antioxidants. 

According to the authors, various studies have shown that nutrients in fruit promote the synthesis of collagen and elastin fibers and improve skin elasticity and firmness. However, the review did not find exceptional results on these outcomes in clinical trials. 

The researchers explain that different factors, including the type of nutrient, fruit variety, ripeness, preparation method and interaction with other food components, can influence the bioavailability of nutrients in fruit. 

They argue that nutrients found in fruits – including vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals – are usually well absorbed if fruits are consumed whole, explaining that fiber slows digestion and promotes absorption of nutrients. 

The review found that fruit intake significantly enhances skin hydration and reduces transcutaneous water loss.But many studies included in the review had a small sample and “needed more quality” in design and methodology, the review authors highlight. They note that further research is vital to explore the effects of fruit and their extracts in larger-scale and more rigorous studies. 

Clinical trials should also use objective dermatological methods to obtain more reliable results on the effects of fruit intake on skin health, they posit. 

Harnessing the power of plants 
As consumers adopt a proactive approach to health and well-being, the beauty-from-within market continues to grow and innovate. According to Innova Market Insights, beauty-from-within and skin health claims in supplements and functional nutrition product launches grew 22% from 2018 to 2022.

A previous study found similar evidence that plant compounds may delay aging through molecular mechanisms. The researchers reviewed the use of natural products containing polyphenols, saponins, alkaloids and polysaccharides as potential anti-aging agents by highlighting the nutrient-sensing pathways these products influence, for their health effects.

Last week, Mibelle Biochemistry received European Food Safety Authority’s approval for an apple fruit cell culture biomass. This novel food ingredient can be used as food supplements for anti-aging benefits. 

Earlier this year, Symrise launched a new line of bioactives for nutricosmetics to deliver inside-out beauty benefits in skin condition and anti-aging. The range includes polyphenols from various fruits and collagen type I. 

By Jolanda van Hal