(P23-057-23) Daily Consumption of Prune Provides Cardiovascular Benefits in Older Men

Objectives: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major public health challenge and the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Dietary patterns including regular fruit and vegetable consumption are associated with multiple health advantages. Prunes (Prunus domestica L.) are a nutritious food with bioactive components such as polyphenolic compounds and soluble fiber, which are associated with improved cardiovascular health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of daily prune supplementation on blood lipids, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation in aging men.

Methods: High cholesterol is generally negatively associated with bone health. For this purpose, 56 men, aged 55 to 80 years with moderate bone loss, were included in this randomized, 12-month parallel design study in which they received daily 100g, 50g, or no prunes (control), plus 450mg calcium + 800 IU vitamin D supplement. Data collection included fasting blood draw, spot urine test, anthropometrics, 3-day food log, and physical activity survey.

Results: Serum samples were analyzed for total cholesterol (TC), low and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c, VLDL-c), triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). Both 100g and 50g groups decreased TC-HDL ratio by 11% and 16%, respectively, at 12-months (P < 0.05). From 6 to 12-months, TC, LDL-c, VLDL-c, HDL-c, and TG (P < 0.001) increased in the 100g group, and the 50g group for TC, LDL-c, HDL-c (P < 0.001), VLDL-c and TG (P < 0.05). Plasma samples were analyzed for lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH), C-reactive protein (CRP), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). LOOH decreased by 50% and 37% in 100g and 50g groups, respectively, from baseline to 12-months (P < 0.001). Baseline to 6-months, TNF-α increased 18% in the control group while 100g and 50g groups increased 3% and 2%, respectively. Baseline to 3-months, CRP decreased 46% in the 100g group (P < 0.05) and by 2% at 12-months, whereas in the control group levels increased by 73% from baseline to 12-months.

Conclusions: Study findings indicate that long-term daily prune consumption in aging men may help to promote cardiovascular health by decreasing oxidative stress, modulating levels of key inflammatory cytokines, and by improving HDL-c and TC-HDL ratio.

Funding Sources: USDA, California Prune Board, and Shaklee