A Grapefruit Feeding Trial in Healthy, Overweight Adults

Efficiency of Daily Grapefruit Exposure in Reducing Body Weight and Inflammatory Markers

Folklore has suggested that consuming grapefruit may promote weight control. Sparse data exist to support this hypothesis, though there is some evidence of health promotional effects regarding blood pressure and lipid profiles. The aims of this randomized controlled trial are to determine the role of grapefruit in:

1. Reducing weight
2. Reducing blood pressure
3. Reducing inflammation
4. Improving the lipid profile.

The investigators hypothesize that six weeks of daily consumption of grapefruit will reduce weight, blood pressure, and inflammation while improving the lipid profile in overweight, healthy adults.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults, men and premenopausal women
• BMI: 25-45 kg/m2
• Willing to maintain current exercise regimen (not to exceed 10 hours/week)
• Willing to follow a diet low in bioactive rich fruits and vegetables and with no citrus

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of chronic disease
• Metabolic disease
• Inflammatory disease
• High cholesterol (>225 mg/dL)
• Smoker
• Taking medications metabolized by the Cytochrome P450 3A enzyme
• History of alcohol or drug abuse