Fruitflow
Also known as: Fruitflow, Fruitflow®, tomato extract, Water-Soluble Tomato Concentrate (WSTC)
Overview
Fruitflow® is a patented, standardized water-soluble tomato extract (WSTC) derived from tomatoes, specifically designed as a functional food ingredient. It contains a complex of bioactive compounds, including nucleosides, phenolic conjugates, and flavonoids, which contribute to its antiplatelet activity. Primarily used as a natural dietary antiplatelet agent, Fruitflow® aims to reduce platelet aggregation, thereby potentially lowering cardiovascular risk and improving blood flow. It has received approval from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) as a cardio-protective functional food ingredient, with research demonstrating its efficacy in modulating platelet function. Fruitflow® is water-soluble, making it suitable for incorporation into various food matrices like drinks, yogurts, and capsules. The evidence supporting its use includes multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showing statistically significant antiplatelet effects.
Benefits
Fruitflow® significantly reduces platelet aggregation in healthy subjects, with effects comparable to low-dose aspirin (75 mg) but through a different mechanism and potentially fewer side effects. This antiplatelet effect is observed within hours of consumption and is sustained with daily intake, without a cumulative increase in effect size over time. Studies report statistically significant reductions in platelet aggregation and thromboxane A2 release (p < 0.05). Beyond its primary antiplatelet action, Fruitflow® may offer secondary benefits such as mild anti-inflammatory effects and a reduction in blood pressure in prehypertensive individuals. Healthy adults, prehypertensive individuals, and those at cardiovascular risk may particularly benefit from its platelet function modulating properties. The evidence is supported by well-designed randomized controlled trials, some of which have been summarized in EFSA dossiers, indicating high-quality research.
How it works
Fruitflow® exerts its antiplatelet effects by modulating several key platelet activation pathways. It inhibits platelet aggregation by interfering with mechanisms triggered by ADP, collagen, arachidonic acid, and thrombin. This action primarily impacts platelet function within the circulatory system, helping to reduce platelet hyperactivity, which is a significant factor in thrombosis. The bioactive compounds in Fruitflow® are believed to target specific platelet receptors and enzymes involved in the aggregation process and thromboxane A2 synthesis. As a water-soluble extract, Fruitflow® demonstrates good bioavailability, with its effects observed after oral consumption, regardless of the food matrix it is consumed with.
Side effects
Fruitflow® is generally considered safe, with no significant adverse effects reported in clinical trials. High-quality studies have not documented any common (>5%), uncommon (1-5%), or rare (<1%) side effects. While no significant drug interactions have been reported, caution is advised when Fruitflow® is combined with other antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications due to the theoretical risk of increased bleeding. Contraindications are not well-defined but are likely similar to those for other antiplatelet agents, particularly concerning individuals with an elevated bleeding risk. Limited data are available regarding its use in special populations, such as pregnant women, children, or patients already on anticoagulant therapy, thus caution is warranted in these groups.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for Fruitflow® is approximately 150 mg of the Fruitflow® 2 extract format or 3 grams of the Fruitflow® 1 format. Multiple studies have shown that a daily dosage of 150 mg is effective in reducing platelet aggregation. While the maximum safe dose has not been clearly established, clinical trials have used doses up to 3 grams without reporting adverse effects. Acute effects can be observed within 3 hours post-consumption, and daily dosing is recommended to maintain the antiplatelet effects. Fruitflow® is effective in various forms, including capsules, water-based drinks, and yogurts, as the food matrix does not significantly impact its antiplatelet activity or absorption. No specific cofactors are identified as being required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is Fruitflow® as effective as aspirin?
Fruitflow® shows comparable antiplatelet effects to low-dose aspirin (75 mg) in healthy subjects, but it operates via a different mechanism and may have a more favorable safety profile.
Can Fruitflow® replace aspirin?
Fruitflow® is not established as a replacement for aspirin, which remains the standard for clinical indications. It may serve as an alternative for mild platelet modulation in healthy individuals.
How quickly does Fruitflow® work?
The antiplatelet effects of Fruitflow® can be observed within 3 hours after ingestion, making it relatively fast-acting.
Is Fruitflow® safe for long-term use?
Studies up to 4 weeks have shown sustained effects without adverse events. However, longer-term safety data are currently limited, so caution is advised for extended use.
Does Fruitflow® increase bleeding risk?
No significant bleeding events have been reported in clinical trials. However, caution is advised for individuals already taking anticoagulant medications due to potential additive effects.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5334395/ – This article summarizes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) included in an EFSA dossier, involving 54 healthy subjects. It found that both Fruitflow® 1 and 2 formats similarly reduce platelet aggregation, with effects sustained by daily dosing without cumulative increase. The study highlights high-quality RCTs and EFSA-approved evidence, though it notes the moderate sample size and focus on healthy subjects.
- https://www.nature.com/articles/ejcn2016222 – This double-blind, crossover RCT with 47 healthy adults demonstrated that Fruitflow® reduced platelet aggregation comparably to 75 mg aspirin. The study found no significant confounders and reported statistically significant results, indicating a well-designed RCT despite its small sample size and short duration.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8965467/ – This RCT, involving 32 prehypertensive patients over 4 weeks, investigated the effects of 213 mg/day tomato extract. It found that the extract reduced both blood pressure and platelet aggregation, proving to be safe and well-tolerated. Despite the small sample size and specific population, the study is of moderate quality with independent funding.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.891241/full – This source is the same as the previous one, detailing an RCT on 32 prehypertensive patients. It confirms that 213 mg/day of tomato extract reduced blood pressure and platelet aggregation over 4 weeks, showing it to be safe and well-tolerated. The study's quality is considered moderate due to its small sample size and specific population, but it benefits from independent funding.