We have been conducting researches on FPP on the theme of "Healthy Aging", aimed at achieving to reduce medical costs though preventive medicine.

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Objectives: Fermented Papaya Preparation (FPP) is a supplement with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulatory effects. This study investigated the effects of one-month continuous FPP intake on health parameters related to driving performance, the useful field of view (UFOV) and post-work fatigue recovery in active bus drivers and the effect of FPP on elite performance motor racing drivers and elite motor racing drivers.

Method: This study examined the effects of one-month continuous intake of FPP on health outcomes, oxidative stress markers and useful field of view (UFOV) in active bus drivers and elite motor racing drivers.

Result: Significant reductions were observed in oxidative stress markers (urinary 8-hydroxy-2'- deoxyguanosine [8-OHdG]) and reaction times within the UFOV. Subjective health measures related to driving performance--including concentration, vitality, fatigue, and sleep quality--also showed significant improvements. Participants with improved UFOV demonstrated concurrent reductions in urinary 8-OHdG. In the health-related quality of life assessment using the short form health survey SF-12®, significant improvements were detected in "general health perception" (p < 0.01), "vitality" (p < 0.05), and "mental health" (p < 0.01) after intervention. In the performance of elite drivers' assessment, the malondialdehyde (MDA) values in elite motor sport drivers were similar at the beginning of the race and at the 12 hr period, there were notable differences in the values at 24 hr following the endurance motor racing. The non-supplemented drivers had the highest level of MDA, and protein carbonyls with values of 1.26 μM and 0.411 μmoles/g protein respectively. The corresponding values for the FPP-supplemented drivers were 0.714 μM and 0.115 μmoles/g protein respectively.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that FPP can be safely consumed by professional drivers and may serve as a complementary self-care strategy targeting fatigue recovery, thereby mitigating risk factors associated with driving accidents such as age-related decline in driving useful field of view, sleep quality, cognitive function, and accumulation. FPP may be applied as a "Driver Support Tool" contributing to fatigue reduction, health maintenance, and accident risk reduction in both professional and elderly drivers. FPP may hold significance in improving recovery and cognition in elite motor sports drivers and general auto drivers.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FPP STUDY ON PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS

1. Fermented Papaya Preparation significantly improved fatigue-related subjective health indicators in professional bus drivers, including sleepiness, concentration, sleep quality, post-work fatigue, and feeling refreshed upon awakening after just one month of intake.
2. Fermented Papaya Preparation intake significantly reduced urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a biomarker of oxidative stress, particularly in middle-aged and older drivers, suggesting antioxidant effects relevant to healthy aging and long-term driving performance.
3. Fermented Papaya Preparation significantly improved Useful Field of View (UFOV), especially peripheral reaction time, indicating enhanced hazard perception and visuospatial cognitive performance related to safer driving behavior.
4. The exploratory research and hypothesis-generating data from elite motor racing drivers during the 24 h of endurance motor racing indicate that supplementation with Fermented Papaya Preparation may be associated with lower oxidative stress and improved recovery under extreme conditions.
5. Fermented Papaya Preparation intake may serve as a safe and practical preventive adjunct nutraceutical approach for occupational and senior drivers to support fatigue recovery, cognitive resilience, safe mobility, and extension of "driving longevity" in aging societies.