(P20-022-25) Effect of Fresh Watermelon Consumption on Vascular Health in Adults With Overweight or Obesity

Objectives: L-arginine and L-citrulline, two amino acids known for their positive effects on cardiovascular health and endothelial function, are found in high concentration in watermelon. This study aims to discover whether fresh watermelon consumption versus low-fat cookie consumption improves endothelial function by altering levels of liver enzymes, blood glucose, and cellular adhesion molecules.

Methods: Thirty-two adults (16 women and 16 men, aged 18-50 years) with overweight or obesity (BMI 25-40 kg/m²) were randomly assigned to two one-month long periods of consuming their typical diet along with 100 kcals of fresh watermelon or low-fat cookies, separated by a month-long washout period. Blood glucose, ICAM-1, P-selectin, E-selectin, and liver enzymes were measured, and statistical significance was determined using two-way repeated measure ANOVAs based on P < 0.05.

Results: Fresh watermelon consumption showed a trend toward lower ICAM-1 levels compared to week 4 cookie consumption (P = 0.083). LDH levels were significantly affected by time (P = 0.018), with a trend toward interaction (P = 0.074). LDH was significantly increased from baseline to week 4 of cookie consumption (P = 0.025) and significantly lower at week 4 for watermelon compared to cookies (P = 0.028). No significant differences were observed between the trials for blood glucose, P-selectin, E-selectin, AST, ALT, ALP, CK, or r-GT.

Conclusions: Although not statistically significant, the trend toward lower ICAM-1 levels with fresh watermelon consumption suggests a modest potential benefit for endothelial function compared to low-fat cookies, warranting further investigation. The significant decrease in LDH levels with watermelon consumption suggests a favorable impact on liver function. Overall, while the results indicate potential benefits of fresh watermelon on specific markers of endothelial and liver function, no significant changes were observed for most other biomarkers. Larger studies with longer durations may be needed to confirm these findings.

Funding Sources: National Watermelon Promotion Board (DTD 11-03-23)