The Scientific Research Advisory Committee met Jan. 21 to review recent updates from the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) and to review and recommend to the Florida Citrus Commission (FCC) for approval two new research proposals. The FCC serves as the FDOC’s governing board.
Rosa Walsh, director of the FDOC Scientific Research Department, gave an update on the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which continue to support 100 percent orange juice (OJ) as part of a healthy diet. She also provided information on recent publications of FDOC-supported research and continuing projects in 2020–21.
Additionally, Walsh presented an update on the request for proposal process of two research projects that were initially presented to the committee in October.
The first proposed study focuses on the satiety and glycemic response to 100 percent OJ. The study received one proposal from Ryerson University. The goal of the study will be to identify the effect of 100 percent OJ on appetite, food intake, glycemic response and mood. The study is expected to take approximately two years to complete through manuscript submission and is budgeted at $167,328 across three fiscal years. The committee motioned to recommend approval to the FCC.
The second proposed study is on the effect of 100 percent OJ on skin health in women. The study received two proposals with the University of Florida winning the bid. The study will aim to determine whether daily consumption of OJ will positively affect skin appearance. The study is expected to take a little more than three years and is budgeted at $200,000 across three fiscal years. The committee discussed whether the study could be expanded to measure grapefruit’s effect on skin health. The request will be investigated further, although barriers to funding may exist. The committee motioned to recommend approval to the FCC.
Source: Florida Department of Citrus
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