Freeze-dried Grape Powder for Healthy Aging

Overseen By Catherine J Andersen, PhD, RDN

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Connecticut

Must not be taking: Statins, NSAIDs, Corticosteroids, Warfarin

Disqualifiers: Diabetes, Heart disease, Cancer, others

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 8

Duration: 8 weeks

28 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores the effects of freeze-dried grape powder on immunity, inflammation, and metabolism in healthy older adults. Participants will consume a grape powder mix daily for four weeks, then switch to a similar-tasting powder without grape compounds. The researchers aim to determine if grapes can boost immune health and other aging-related markers. Ideal participants are generally healthy individuals aged 50 to 75 who can avoid grapes and similar foods during the study. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research on natural ways to enhance health during aging.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

Yes, if you are currently taking lipid-lowering medications, glucose-regulating medications, anti-inflammatory medications, or medications that affect blood clotting, you will need to stop taking them to participate in this trial.

What prior data suggests that freeze-dried grape powder is safe for consumption?

Research has shown that freeze-dried grape powder is generally safe for use. Studies have found that grape powder can help the body manage sugar levels and reduce signs of inflammation. In adult trials, grape powder slightly lowered body weight, reduced triglycerides, and decreased heart rate in men.

These studies reported no major negative effects, indicating the treatment is safe to consume. However, as with any supplement, individual experiences may vary. Participants in these studies did not experience serious side effects, making grape powder a promising and safe choice for those interested in its potential health benefits. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using freeze-dried grape powder for healthy aging because it offers a natural approach that leverages the unique compounds found in whole grapes. Unlike traditional supplements or medications that often target specific symptoms or health markers, this treatment harnesses the power of polyphenols and antioxidants naturally present in grapes to promote overall wellness. The freeze-drying process preserves these beneficial compounds, potentially offering a more holistic and sustainable option for supporting healthy aging.

What evidence suggests that freeze-dried grape powder might be an effective treatment for healthy aging?

Studies have shown that freeze-dried grape powder, which participants in this trial may receive, can improve health in several ways. It helps the body manage sugar levels more effectively, improving glucose tolerance. It also reduces inflammation markers, which are signs of swelling and irritation in the body. Additionally, grape powder has slightly lowered body mass index (BMI) and reduced triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood, in men. These benefits likely stem from the nutrients and antioxidants in grapes, such as resveratrol and quercetin, which support heart and immune health. While more research is needed on its effects on aging and immune health, early signs are promising. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for healthy middle-aged and older adults interested in the effects of grape powder on immune health. Participants should not have any major health issues, must avoid eating grapes or related foods during the study, and be willing to provide blood samples and complete surveys about their diet and physical activity.

Inclusion Criteria

Body mass index (BMI) 18.5 to < 30 kg/m2

I am between 50 and 75 years old.

Do not fit any exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria

Allergy to grapes or any ingredients in the grape or control powders

Experienced >10% weight change in the past 4 weeks

Elevated fasting glucose levels (fasting glucose higher than 126 mg/dL) and triglycerides greater than 500 mg/dL

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants consume freeze-dried grape powder and control powder daily for 4 weeks each

8 weeks

7 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

3 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Freeze-dried Grape Powder

Trial Overview The study tests if daily consumption of freeze-dried grape powder affects immunity markers compared to a control powder without grape compounds. Over 13 weeks, participants will drink these powders mixed with water for 4 weeks each and attend seven visits totaling around 6.25 hours.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Freeze-dried whole grape powder Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group II: Control grape-free powder Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Connecticut

Lead Sponsor

Trials

194

Recruited

162,000+

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07079982

Effects of Freeze-dried Grape Powder on Immune Profiles ... An unfavorable change in the health of a participant, including abnormal laboratory findings, that happens during a clinical study or within a certain amount of ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4553113/

Resveratrol, in its natural combination in whole grape, for ... Grape powder improved glucose tolerance at 5 weeks and decreased markers of inflammation in serum and adipose tissue at 18 weeks. 36. Grape powder (1.0%) in NIH ...

3. trialx.com trialx.com/clinical-trials/listings/300517/effects-of-freeze-dried-grape-powder-on-immune-profiles-in-healthy-aging-adults/

Effects of Freeze-dried Grape Powder on Immune Profiles ... The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of consuming grape powder on immune profiles in healthy middle- and older-aged ...

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0271531715001001

Grape powder treatment prevents anxiety-like behavior in a ... We have reported that grape powder (GP) treatment prevented pharmacologic and psychological stress-induced anxiety-like behavior and memory impairment in rats.

5. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/319235989_Effects_of_A_Standardized_Freeze-Dried_Grape_Powder_in_Adults_with_Metabolic_Syndrome

Effects of A Standardized, Freeze-Dried Grape Powder in ... GRAPE slightly, but significantly, decreased BMI compared to placebo. In men, it was seen that plasma triglycerides (TG) and pulse were significantly reduced by ...