Microvegetables and Their Potential Health Relevance: A Systematic Review of In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence

Abstract

A rise in noncommunicable disease (NCD) prevalence has been partly attributed to the low intake of food groups rich in phytochemicals, particularly fruits and vegetables. For this reason, microvegetables (MV) are an emerging functional food group. Nutrient-dense with bioactive compounds, MV exhibit bioactive properties that may be relevant for NCD and malnutrition risk modulation. No chronic MV supplementation human clinical trials have been conducted. However, experimental in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that MV can exert a range of beneficial effects. In this systematic review, we analysed the effects of MV in such investigations and discussed the potential mechanisms involved. A bibliographical search was performed in PubMed and Scopus, and based on the inclusion criteria, 28 articles were summarised and critically discussed. Twelve studies demonstrated direct antioxidant capabilities of MVs via in vitro assays. Few studies investigated the more physiologically relevant impact of MV on endogenous cellular antioxidant systems. MV demonstrated proapoptotic activity in immortalised cell lines, with limited in vivo evidence indicating potential anti-inflammatory, lipid and gut microbiota-modifying effects. These properties warrant further investigation in human trials to evaluate their translational potential, and our summary of the literature offers a rationale and basis for such clinical trials.