Investigation of PJ vs. Sugar on Glucose Levels in Healthy and Prediabetic Subjects

Exploratory Study to Determine the Bioavailability of Sugar From Pomegranate Juice (PJ) vs. Sucrose

Pomegranate fruits and products, including juice, tea, wine and extracts are widely consumed and recognized for their health benefits. Pomegranate fruit possesses strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties. The effects of pomegranate on type 2 diabetic (T2DM) conditions have previously been reported. Although 8 oz. of Pom juice (PJ) contains 36.9 g of sugar, 12-week PomJ supplementation did not change plasma advanced glycated end-products, fasting glucose and HbA1C, but reduced lipid peroxidation in T2D subjects. Additionally, acute PJ consumption has been shown to lower postprandial glycemic response of a meal with high glycemic index (GI) and lower fasting blood glucose, and long-term PomJ consumption did not worsen diabetic markers. However, a large knowledge gap still exists regarding the form of sugars in PJ and the hormonal responses to PJ consumption in different physiological conditions. Therefore currently the consumption of PJ is not recommended for individuals with T2DM. This clinical study will focus on the short-term effects of PJ consumption on different diabetic variables to further evaluate the health benefits of PJ for T2DM.

This study aims to measure the effects of PJ vs. sugar on glucose and insulin levels in apparently healthy normal weight and prediabetic overweight and obese subjects. Participants will be asked to consume one serving of PJ, sugar mix and water separated by one week of beige diet without PJ consumption (crossover design). The PJ will be provided by POMWonderful. Timed blood collections over a three-hour period following the juice/sugar/water consumption will be used to measure how PJ vs. sugar mix vs. water affects glucose metabolism/insulin sensitivity in human subjects.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 20-50 years and any racial/ethnic group
2. Typically consume low fiber/polyphenol diet (beige diet)
3. Healthy, normal weight individuals with a BMI of >18 to 26.9 kg/ m2 with fasting serum glucose <100mg/dL or A1c <5.7
4. Prediabetic, obese individuals with a BMI of >27 kg/ m2 and fasting serum glucose >100, but <126 mg/dL or A1c >5.7% but < 6.4%]
5. Subjects must read and sign the informed consent prior to participation
6. Subjects must be in generally good health
7. Subjects must be able and willing to comply with the requirements of the protocol.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Eating a high fiber/polyphenol diet or taking any medication or dietary supplements that interfere with the absorption of polyphenols.
2. History of gastrointestinal surgery, diabetes mellitus on medications, or other serious medical condition, such as chronic hepatic or renal disease, bleeding disorder, congestive heart disease, chronic diarrhea disorders, myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass graft, angioplasty within 6 months prior to screening, current diagnosis of uncontrolled hypertension (defined as systolic BP >160mmHg, diastolic BP > 95mmHg), active or chronic gastrointestinal disorders, bulimia, anorexia, laxative abuse, or endocrine diseases (except thyroid disease requiring medication) as indicated by medical history
3. Any subject currently taking blood thinning medications such as Warfarin or Coumadin
4. Currently uses tobacco products.
5. Currently has an alcohol intake > 20 g ⁄ day;
6. Currently has a coffee intake > 3 cups ⁄ day;
7. Screening laboratory value outside of the laboratory normal range that is considered clinically significant for study participation by the investigator.
8. Using prebiotics, probiotics, yogurt, and/or any fiber supplements regularly
9. Allergy or sensitivity to pomegranate. Subjects will be excluded if there is a prior history of such sensitivity. Since these foods are commonly eaten and allergies are rare, subjects should be aware of this sensitivity prior to entering the study. In addition, any subject with a history of allergy or anaphylaxis of any kind will be excluded
10. Taking antibiotics or laxatives within the past 3 months
11. Is unable or unwilling to comply with the study protocol.