Brazilian Study: Orange Juice Alters Immune Genes

A new study by Brazilian researchers has revealed that daily consumption of pure orange juice can alter the activity of thousands of genes in immune cells, potentially offering benefits for inflammation, blood pressure, and metabolic health. The findings, published on October 30, 2025, in the journal Molecular Nutrition Food Research, involved 20 healthy adults aged 21 to 36 who drank 500 milliliters of pasteurized orange juice each day for two months.

The participants, evenly split between men and women, first abstained from citrus fruits and similar nutrient-rich foods for three days to establish a baseline. Researchers from the University of São Paulo then monitored changes in gene expression within their immune cells after the 60-day period. The study found reduced activity in numerous genes linked to key health processes. For instance, genes associated with inflammation, such as IL6, IL1B, NLRP3, and NAMPT, showed lower expression, particularly among those of normal weight. In overweight participants, genes involved in lipid and fat metabolism exhibited notable shifts. Another gene, SGK1, which influences sodium retention in the kidneys and contributes to blood pressure...