Folklore has suggested that consuming grapefruit may promote weight control. Sparse data exist to support this hypothesis, though there is some evidence of health promotional effects regarding blood pressure and lipid profiles. The aims of this randomized controlled trial are to determine the role of grapefruit in: 1. Reducing weight 2. Reducing blood pressure 3. Reducing inflammation 4. Improving the lipid profile. The investigators hypothesize that six weeks of daily consumption of grapefruit will reduce weight, blood pressure, and inflammation while improving the lipid profile in overweight, healthy adults.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
85
1.5 Rio Red Grapefruit consumed daily for 6 weeks
Participants followed a diet low in bioactive rich fruits and vegetables and avoided citrus for six weeks
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona, United States
Weight reduction
Participants consumed 1/2 grapefruit before each meal (1.5 grapefruit per day) for six weeks. Weight was measured before and after grapefruit consumption to assess weight change. Weight change was considered statistically significant at p\<0.05.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Blood pressure reduction
Previous studies in animals and humans consuming citrus have resulted in reductions in blood pressure, though no direct effect of grapefruit has ever been demonstrated. Blood pressure was measured at baseline and after the 6 week intervention period (consuming either the control diet or supplementing the diet with 1/2 grapefruit before each meal).
Time frame: 6 weeks
Lipid Profile Improvements
Previous studies in humans and animal models consuming grapefruit or grapefruit bioactives have shown reductions in triglycerides, LDL, and total cholesterol and increases in circulating HDL. These parameters were measured via a common point-of-care system, LDX Cholestech. Lipids were measured at baseline and after the 6 week intervention period (consuming either the control diet or supplementing the diet with 1/2 grapefruit before each meal).
Time frame: 6 weeks
Reductions in markers of chronic inflammation
Markers of chronic inflammation, which are also associated with endothelial dysfunction and heart disease, like tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), and soluble vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 (sV-CAM1) were measured. Inflammatory markers were measured at baseline and after the 6 week intervention period (consuming either the control diet or supplementing the diet with 1/2 grapefruit before each meal).
Time frame: 6 weeks
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