Apple Polyphenols: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Apple polyphenols are chemicals found in apples.

Apple polyphenols are used for obesity, hay fever, high levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Apple polyphenols are antioxidants. Apple polyphenols also seem to block fat and cholesterol from entering the body and slow the production of fat and cholesterol. This may allow them to lower cholesterol and help with weight loss.

How does it work ?

Apple polyphenols are antioxidants. Apple polyphenols also seem to block fat and cholesterol from entering the body and slow the production of fat and cholesterol. This may allow them to lower cholesterol and help with weight loss.

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence for

Male-pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia). Early research shows that applying an apple polyphenol product to the scalp can increase hair growth in some men with male-pattern baldness.
Hay fever. Early research shows that drinking a drink with apple polyphenols reduces runny nose in people with hay fever. Other early research shows that taking apple polyphenol once daily for 12 weeks, starting about 2 weeks before cedar pollen season, can reduce sneezing in patients with a specific form of hay fever called Japanese cedar pollinosis.
Athletic performance. Early research shows that taking apple and grape polyphenols can allow athletes to exercise for a little bit longer before getting tired.
High levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia). Early research shows that eating apples with more polyphenols does not affect cholesterol levels compared to eating apples with low polyphenols. But not all research agrees.
High blood pressure. Early research shows that taking apple polyphenols does not seem to improve blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.
Obesity. Early research shows that drinking a beverage with apple polyphenols can reduce the amount of body fat in adults who are overweight or obese.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Apple polyphenols are POSSIBLY SAFE when taken short-term. Taking apple polyphenols might cause mild gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhea.

When applied to the skin: Apple polyphenols are POSSIBLY SAFE when used appropriately.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if apple polyphenols are safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Insulin interacts with Apple Polyphenols
Taking apple polyphenols before a meal might cause blood glucose levels to rise more slowly after a meal. Using insulin before a meal also lowers blood glucose levels after a meal. Taking apple polyphenol extract along with insulin might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The timing of your insulin dose might need to be changed.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of apple polyphenols depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for apple polyphenols. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

View References

REFERENCES:

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Enomoto, T., Nagasako-Akazome, Y., Kanda, T., Ikeda, M., and Dake, Y. Clinical effects of apple polyphenols on persistent allergic rhinitis: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled parallel arm study. J Investig.Allergol.Clin Immunol. 2006;16(5):283-289.

Soriano-Maldonado A, Hidalgo M, Arteaga P, de Pascual-Teresa S, Nova E. Effects of regular consumption of vitamin C-rich or polyphenol-rich apple juice on cardiometabolic markers in healthy adults: a randomized crossover trial. Eur J Nutr. 2014 Dec;53(8):1645-57.

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Cicero AFG, Caliceti C, Fogacci F, et al. Effect of apple polyphenols on vascular oxidative stress and endothelium function: a translational study. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2017.

Deley G, Guillemet D, Allaert FA, Babault N. An Acute Dose of Specific Grape and Apple Polyphenols Improves Endurance Performance: A Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind versus Placebo Controlled Study. Nutrients. 2017;9(8). pii: E917.

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