A daily glass of orange juice may not affect everyone in the same way. According to a recent scientific study, the way orange juice influences the body can vary significantly depending on a person’s body weight, with noticeable differences seen at the genetic level.
Researchers from the University of São Paulo studied 20 healthy adults in their 20s and 30s who consumed two cups of orange juice every day for two months. Blood samples were collected at the beginning and end of the study to examine how gene activity changed in immune cells. The findings were later published in the journal Molecular Nutrition & Food Research.
The analysis revealed that orange juice altered the activity of more than 1,700 genes related to key body functions. These genetic changes were linked to blood pressure control, inflammation, fat metabolism, and cell communication. However, the effects were not uniform across all participants.
Among individuals who were overweight, orange juice appeared to activate genes associated with the formation and breakdown of fat cells. Specific genes such as GSK3B and GRK6 showed changes only in this group. Researchers also observed shifts in microRNAs connected to fat development and lipid metabolism, suggesting that orange juice may influence how excess body fat is processed.
In contrast, participants with a healthy body weight experienced gene changes primarily related to inflammation control. Genes such as STAT3 MAPK1 and BCL2 were affected, along with reduced activity in NF-κB, a major regulator of inflammation in the body. This indicates that orange juice may help calm inflammatory pathways in people of normal weight.
Despite these differences, some genetic effects were consistent across all participants. One notable gene was SGK1, which plays a role in blood pressure regulation. Orange juice consumption reduced SGK1 activity in both groups, a change that could potentially support healthier blood pressure levels.
Overall, the study highlights that orange juice does not produce a one-size-fits-all effect. Instead, its impact may depend on individual factors such as body weight, influencing whether the body prioritizes fat metabolism or inflammation control.