Daily 100% watermelon juice consumption and vascular function among postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background and aims: Watermelon juice is a rich food source of cardioprotective compounds such as arginine, citrulline, and lycopene. Preventative interventions are warranted as risk of cardiovascular disease increases among women after menopause, and age alone is an independent risk factor for vascular dysfunction. Thus, this study evaluated the effects of 100% watermelon juice on measures of vascular function.

Methods and results: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial, 21 healthy postmenopausal women were randomized to consume two 360 mL servings of 100% watermelon juice per day or an isocaloric placebo for four weeks. Following a two-week washout period, they consumed the other beverage for an additional four weeks. Before and after each treatment arm, a fasting blood sample was taken for measurement of serum arginine, citrulline, lycopene, glucose, and insulin. Assessments of vascular function included pulse pressure, pulse wave velocity, 24-h ambulatory blood pressure, and flow-mediated dilation. General linear mixed models with intent-to-treat analyses were used to examine the effects of the intervention. Despite a significant treatment effect for circulating lycopene (p = 0.002), no changes in arginine, citrulline, or any vascular measures were observed. Although the juice intervention resulted in a slight but significant increase in fasting serum glucose (p = 0.001), changes in glucose homeostasis were not clinically significant.

Conclusion: In contrast to findings from previous studies in younger adults and those with pre-existing hypertension, measures of vascular function in this cohort of healthy postmenopausal women were not impacted by supplemental watermelon juice. CLINICALTRIALS.

Gov identifier: NCT03626168.

Keywords: Arginine; Blood pressure; Citrulline; Lycopene; Watermelon juice.