Effects of Concord grape juice flavor intensity and phenolic compound content on glycemia, appetite and cognitive function in adults with excess body weight: a randomized double-blind crossover trial

Food Funct. 2021 Nov 15;12(22):11469-11481. doi: 10.1039/d1fo02049h.

Abstract

Background & aims: Concord grape (Vitis lambrusca) juice (CGJ) contains a unique combination of polyphenolic compounds with diverse effects on human health. It also has an intense sensory profile that may modify food choice. Daily consumption of CGJ over 8 weeks reduced fasting blood glucose. However, the impact on 24h-postprandial glucose response from CGJ is still not clear. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of CGJ flavor intensity and phenolic content on 24 h postprandial glucose concentrations, appetitive sensations, and cognitive function in adults with excess body weight when consumed alone or with a meal. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, crossover design study, participants consumed three types of beverages: 100% CGJ, a polyphenol-free grape flavored drink with the same flavor essence (LP) or a polyphenol-free grape flavored drink with reduced flavor essence (LPF) either without (trial I) or with (trial II) a meal. 24 h glucose was measured through continuous glucose monitoring. Phenolic metabolite excretion was assessed in 24 h urine samples. Appetite (hunger, thirst, fullness, desire to eat, and prospective consumption) and cognitive function (alertness, energetic, strength, calmness, and relaxation) were assessed hourly through visual analog scales. Results: Thirty-four adults completed trial I and 34 adults completed trial II. When consumed with a meal, beverages with customary flavor essence (CGJ and LP) reduced hunger, desire to eat, and prospective consumption and consumption of the polyphenol-free reduced flavor essence beverage was associated with higher 24 h glucose tAUC. No consistent effects were observed for cognitive outcomes. When consumed alone, CGJ was related to lower glycemic responses by those excreting a higher concentration of the phenolic metabolite iso/ferulic-3'-O-glucuronide, but in beverages without CG phenolics and reduced flavor essence, glycemia was higher among those excreting higher concentrations of caffeic acid-O-sulfate. Conclusions: Both natural phenolics and flavor essence of CGJ may help to moderate appetite and glycemia. Clinical Trials registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03409484 (trial I) and NCT03409497 (trial II).

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Appetite / drug effects*
  • Blood Glucose / drug effects*
  • Cognition / drug effects
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Fruit and Vegetable Juices*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Phenols* / analysis
  • Phenols* / pharmacology
  • Vitis*

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Phenols

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT03409497
  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT03409484