papaya

Effects of Fermented Papaya Preparation (FPP) on Safety Outcomes in Older Adults ­ A Short Report of a PlaceboControlled Clinical Trial.

Nutrition
July 01, 2018•2 min read

J Frailty Aging. 2018;7(2):142­146. doi: 10.14283/jfa.2018.6.

Effects of Fermented Papaya Preparation (FPP) on Safety Outcomes in Older Adults ­ A Short Report of a PlaceboControlled Clinical Trial.

Mankowski RT , Leeuwenburgh C, Manini TM, Woods AJ, Anton SD.

Abstract

Fermented Papaya Preparation (FPP®) has shown antioxidative and anti­inflammatory effects in preclinical and clinical aging studies. However, clinical trials are needed to fully evaluate the safety of FPP® in moderate­functioning, generally healthy older adults. In this randomized (9g/day of FPP® or placebo), crossover design study, we enrolled 30 older moderate­functioning older adults (70­100 years old). The participants completed both a treatment and a placebo condition. After eight (8) weeks on each of these regimens (with a 4­week wash­out period in between), participants had their venous blood drawn for assessment of blood chemistries, metabolic outcomes and inflammatory biomarkers. Participants were asked to report any adverse events during the course of the study and complete post­treatment outcome assessments for anthropometric and metabolic outcomes. The major finding related to safety was that there were no adverse changes in blood chemistries and few adverse events in the FPP® condition, which did not differ from placebo (p>0.05). There were no serious adverse effects in either condition. Twenty­nine (29) participants (mean age 78.2±5.3 yrs) completed the study with 94% adherence to the dosing regimen. There were no significant effects of FPP® on anthropometric and metabolic outcomes. In addition, no effects on markers of inflammation were observed. Our trial demonstrates FPP® supplementation is safe and feasible in adults ages 70 years and older. Based on these findings and the positive effects FPP has demonstrated in previous trials, future trials should examine the effects of FPP® in older adults with impaired health status and/or older adults who may have insufficient anti­oxidant protection due to their genetic background.

KEYWORDS: Natural compound; immune; inflammation; lifestyle; nutrition; stress

PMID: 29741201 DOI: 10.14283/jfa.2018.6

Format: Abstract Conflict of interest statement

Link to the official publication
Stephen Anton, PhD

Stephen Anton, PhD

Dr. Anton’s specific research interests are in the role that lifestyle factors have in influencing obesity, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disease conditions. He completed his doctoral degree in Clinical and Health Psychology at the University of Florida (UF), receiving training in health promotion and the delivery of lifestyle interventions designed to modify eating and exercise behaviors. Following completion of his post-doctoral fellowship at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in June 2007, he accepted a joint Assistant Professor position within the Department of Aging and Geriatric Research and Department of Clinical and Health Psychology at the University of Florida. Since joining the University of Florida, he has successfully obtained and conducted multiple grants examining the effects that lifestyle-based interventions have on biological and functional outcomes relevant to obesity, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disease conditions related to aging. With over 150 scientific articles and book chapters, his research has been recognized both nationally as well as internationally.

LinkedIn logo icon
Instagram logo icon
Back to Blog

© Copyright 2026 | All Rights Reserved Dr. Stephen Anton | Terms & Conditions

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Please consult your physician before making changes to your health routine.