Freeze-dried Whole Grapes Lower Serum Triglycerides in Postmenopausal Women (OR22-04-19)

After the onset of menopause, the risk of cardiovascular disease increases drastically due to ovarian hormone deficiency. Grapes are high in polyphenolic compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study examined the effects of freeze-dried whole grape powder (GP) in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 40 postmenopausal women (1 to 5 years past menopause), not on hormone therapy, were randomly assigned to consume either 46 g of GP or grape placebo powder for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples, anthropometrics, blood pressure, physical activity, and dietary data were collected at baseline and after 12 weeks of the intervention. A mixed-effects model (PROC MIXED) was used to examine the effects of time, group, and the interaction between time and group. Paired t-tests were performed to compare changes from baseline within the group. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Thirty-two women successfully completed the study. There was a significant time x group interaction effect observed for serum triglyceride (TG) (P < 0.05) and a borderline significant time x group interaction effect observed for serum total cholesterol (TC) (P = 0.06). In addition, a significant main effect of group was found in fasting glucose (P < 0.05), but without significant impacts of time and time x group interaction. Within-group analysis showed that the serum levels of TG significantly decreased by 26% (P < 0.05), while the serum levels of TC and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol numerically decreased by 8% and 11%, respectively after 12 weeks of GP consumption compared with corresponding baseline values. Neither GP nor placebo powder significantly altered body weight, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure, insulin or homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance. Our findings show that daily consumption of grapes lowers serum levels of TG in postmenopausal women. Larger follow-up studies are needed to ensure the validity of these findings. This research was funded by the California Table Grape Commission. Funders had no role in the study design, data collection, data analysis or interpretation, or writing of the abstract.