Study Links Grape Consumption to Genetic Changes in Skin

A small study conducted at Western New England University examined whether daily consumption of grapes could affect skin tissue at the genetic level. Researchers recruited 29 volunteers, placed them on a two-week diet to remove potentially interfering foods, then had them drink a standardized freeze-dried grape powder mixed with water twice daily for another two weeks.

Skin samples were collected before and after the grape period from areas exposed to low-dose ultraviolet light and from areas on the hips that remained unexposed. Only four participants, all women whose skin tends to burn moderately and tan gradually, produced complete high-quality tissue sets for analysis, yielding 16 usable samples.

Analysis showed lower levels of malondialdehyde, a marker of oxidative stress, in the ultraviolet-exposed skin after grape consumption. The same samples also displayed increased activity in genes linked to keratinization and cornification, processes that help form the skin's outer protective layer.

The study measured cellular and genetic markers rather than visible sunburn or long-term skin-cancer outcomes. Results varied among participants, and the researchers noted that more data are required before any conclusions can be drawn about real-world sun protection.

Dr. John Pezzuto, professor and dean of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Western New England University, stated that grape consumption produced a nutrigenomic response and that similar gene-expression changes are nearly certain in other body tissues.

The findings build on earlier research indicating that grapes may improve skin resistance to ultraviolet radiation in up to 50 percent of people. Standard sun-protection measures remain the recommended approach, including daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.

Skin cancer rates continue to rise in the United States. 6 percent increase from the previous year.