A comprehensive analysis of the composition, health benefits, and safety of apple pomace

Nutr Rev. 2018 Dec 1;76(12):893-909. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuy033.

Abstract

Apple processing results in peel, stem, seeds, and pulp being left as a waste product known as apple pomace. This review comprehensively assessed apple pomace composition for nutritional value and bioactive substances and evaluated potential health benefits and safety. Apple pomace is a rich source of health-benefitting nutrients, including minerals, dietary fiber, antioxidants, and ursolic acid, which suggests it has potential use as a dietary supplement, functional food, and/or food additive. Preclinical studies have found apple pomace and its isolated extracts improved lipid metabolism, antioxidant status, and gastrointestinal function and had a positive effect on metabolic disorders (eg, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, etc.). Safety studies have shown apple pomace to be a safe livestock feed additive and to have pesticide concentrations within safety thresholds established for human consumption. Commercial development of apple pomace for human consumption requires more research focusing on standardized methods of nutrient reporting, mechanistic studies, and human clinical trials.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants / analysis
  • Antioxidants / metabolism
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Dietary Fiber / analysis
  • Dietary Fiber / pharmacology*
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Digestion / drug effects
  • Food Industry
  • Fruit / chemistry*
  • Functional Food
  • Humans
  • Lipid Metabolism / drug effects
  • Malus / chemistry*
  • Metabolic Diseases / drug therapy
  • Minerals / analysis
  • Minerals / pharmacology*
  • Nutritive Value
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Seeds / chemistry
  • Triterpenes / analysis
  • Triterpenes / pharmacology*
  • Ursolic Acid

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Dietary Fiber
  • Minerals
  • Plant Extracts
  • Triterpenes