Overview
This study is investigating the benefits of whole freeze-dried grape powder consumption on the immune-gut axis in adults with obesity.
Description
The study is a 12-wk randomized, controlled, crossover trial. Participants will be randomized to one of two intervention sequences, either consuming 48g/day of whole freeze-dried grape powder followed by an isocaloric placebo powder or consuming the placebo powder followed by the whole freeze-dried grape powder. Active intervention phases will be 4 weeks in duration followed by a 4-week washout period between treatments.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age: 30-45 years
- Obesity with BMI of 30-45 kg/m2
- Willingness to consume study foods
- Consistent diet and activity patterns for 4 weeks
- Weight stable (\<5kg change over last 3 months)
- Non-smoker \> 1 year or more
- Not currently consuming an extremely healthy diet
Exclusion Criteria:
- Study food allergies
- Regular consumption of grapes or grape-derived products
- Gastrointestinal disease and/or bariatric surgery
- Uncontrolled hypertension and blood pressure \>180/110
- Diabetes
- Clinical Depression
- Illicit drug use
- History of alcohol or drug abuse
- Recent use of medications that affect immune function (e.g., corticosteroids)
- Recent consumption of antibiotics, prebiotics, probiotics, symbiotics, or dietary supplements containing fiber or phytochemicals
- Pregnant or lactating individuals
- HIV positivity
- Recent start of medications that affect metabolism or appetite
- Drug therapy for coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, congestive heart failure, or dyslipidemia