Research finds grapes boost muscle health especially in females

A new Western New England University (WNE), UK, study has found that eating grapes enhances muscle health in mice. With a growing aging population that experiences muscle loss, the researchers suggest the findings help promote better health.

“This study provides compelling evidence that grapes have the potential to enhance muscle health at the genetic level,” says the study’s senior investigator, Dr. John Pezzuto, professor and dean of the WNE College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. 

“Given their safety profile and widespread availability, it will be exciting to explore how quickly these changes can be observed in human trials.”

The mice were fed grapes for 2.5 years, equivalent to approximately 80 years in human life.

Nutrigenomics and gene expression

Published in the journal Foods, the research shows that regular grape consumption changes gene expression, promoting lean muscle mass and reducing markers of muscle degeneration, with strong effects in females.

Dr. John Pezzuto, professor and dean of the WNE College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.“Grapes, rich in phytochemicals, exhibit potential disease-preventive properties through nutrigenomic mechanisms rather than direct chemical interactions,” reads the paper.

“Significant sex-specific gene expression changes were observed, with female phenotypes showing greater alterations and converging toward male-like characteristics. Twenty-five differentially expressed genes associated with muscle health were identified. Up-regulated genes such as Ahsg, Alb, Apoa1, and Arg1, and down-regulated genes including Camp, Lcn2, and Irf4, suggest improved muscle function.”

However, the researchers say further studies and clinical trials must confirm whether the findings can be applied to humans.

The authors stress: “Sex has a strong influence on gene expression in skeletal muscle provoked by the addition of grapes to an otherwise bland isocaloric diet. Compared with the standard diet, following grape consumption, phenotypic expression in the male and female groups becomes much more homogeneous.”

Phytochemicals for health

The importance of healthy muscle function is highlighted by muscle abnormalities like fibromyalgia, myopathies, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and cardiovascular disease.

Male and female genetic changes from grape consumption (Image credit: Study in Foods).The paper reveals that 10–16% of older adults worldwide experience sarcopenia, a progressive loss of muscle mass and function.

“The progressive loss of muscle function in humans, particularly at the age of 60 years or more, has detrimental effects on the quality of life,” detail the authors.

There is a rise in interest in diet-based influences on health and well-being, which is proven by several studies promoting fruit and vegetable consumption. The authors say the value of eating such foods lies in their phytochemical constituents, which prevent or treat human disease. 

Muscles in focus

The nutrition industry is constantly exploring healthy aging solutions that address key consumer concerns as they age — supporting the gut microbiome, cellular and cognitive health, immunity, and muscle health.

Lubrizol Life Science recently talked about the importance of magnesium for muscle health. It is a vital mineral involved in more than 600 enzymatic reactions in the body, including energy production, muscle function, bone health, nervous system regulation, heart regulation, and DNA and protein synthesis.

Meanwhile, PLT Health Solutions is set to unveil muscle health and restorative sleep innovations at next week’s Natural Products Expo West.