The Purple Grape Juice Study

Study Summary

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the largest contributor to morbidity and mortality in the Western world and is associated with high-calorie diet, high body mass, and a variety of other factors. CHD can lead to myocardial infarction (MI) and other embolic events. In some areas such as France, though, a paradox of high-cholesterol diets but low CHD and MI incidence have been found. This paradox has been traced to the consumption of red wine. Further research suggests that components of the grapes used in red wine may be the source of the cardio-protective factors that have resulted in the French paradox. These components are also present in purple grape juice (PGJ). PGJ has been shown to have a variety of potential cardio-protective effects, including inhibition of platelet aggregation. Since PGJ does not contain alcohol it may provide an additional benefit by avoiding the physical and social implications of alcohol abuse. Since most of the research of PGJ has been in vitro, though, and the few studies in vivo have been in cross-over studies and over very short durations of 7 to 14 days, additional research is required to determine whether the long-term consumption of PGJ is of additional and sustained benefit, similar to long-term use of red wine in France. The proposed study is a 2 arm randomized, controlled (double-blind) study of PGJ and a calorically-matching placebo drink in 100 healthy individuals.

Interventions

• DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT Purple Grape Juice