Effect on metabolic syndrome markers of an 8-week supplementation with grape pomace in subjects at high cardiometabolic risk

Abstract

The increasing occurrence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in developed countries is one of the most important current public health challenges. Polyphenols have shown a promising role in their modulation mostly in preclinical studies, although clinical trials are still scarce and with contradictory results1. Moreover, they usually only consider a fraction of polyphenols, ignoring non-extractable polyphenols2. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect on MetS markers and related biochemical parameters of the long-term supplementation with grape pomace, an abundant vinification byproduct rich in both extractable and non-extractable polyphenols. Fifty subjects (22 women) aged 20-65 with high cardiometabolic risk (at least two MetS factors, mean 2.7 SEM 0.2) were randomly assigned to the product (daily consumption of 8 g of dried and milled grape pomace) or to the control group in a 6 weeks crossover design with a 4 weeks wash-out. Samples were collected at the beginning and at the end of both periods. Preliminary results indicate an amelioration of postprandial (120 min after glucose load) insulinaeamia after supplementation (50.8 SE 10.6 vs 61.8 SEM 12.3 μU/mL) with no modifications in other cardiometabolic risk factors. Therefore, supplementation with grape pomace may be a strategy for improving insulin sensitivity in subjects at high cardiometabolic risk.