Exploration of alkaline supplements in healthy adults

The study was a double blind, randomised, placebo controlled, cross-over trial with a four day wash out period between two phases. The wash out period was selected as large alkaline loads are known to be excreted within 1 – 2 days following their caseation. The intervention consisted of a powdered fruit and vegetable supplement. 15g of the supplement was consumed in water 3 times daily for 3 days. To ensure compliance, the participants were met daily and questioned on their intake. The supplement was approved as safe by the University of the Sunshine Coast's Human Ethics committee (reference number: S/14/70). The supplement is also commercially available. The following is the ingredients list printed on the nutritional supplement: Certified Organic barley grass juice (5%)*, Certified Organic wheat grass juice (5%)*, Carrot, Apple fibre pectin, Lime, Pineapple, Apple, Kiwifruit, Prebiotic fibre (Fructooligosaccharides), Lemon, Calcium citrate, L-Glutamine, Natural fruit flavours, Green capsicum, Prebiotic fibre (Inulin), Broccoli sprouts, Certified Organic broken cell chlorella (2.5%)*, Magnesium citrate, Xylitol (natural sweetener derived from corn), Broccoli, Potassium bicarbonate, Guar gum, Brown seaweed extract (Fucoidan), Spinach, Bromelain, Daikon radish sprouts, Celery, Alfalfa sprouts, Parsley, Probiotic culture blend [1 million cfu/serve (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum)], Dandelion leaves extract, Withania extract, Certified Organic spirulina (0.5%)*, Asparagus, Cucumber, Kelp extract, Aloe vera extract, Siberian ginseng extract, Shitake mushroom extract, Maitake mushroom extract, Natural flavour masker, Stevia extract, Chlorophyll, Black pepper extract. *indicates certified organic by the Australian Certified Organic Standard