The Effects of Citric and Malic Acid Found in Pomegranate Juice on Glycaemic Response to White Bread.

Research has shown that diets that give rise to a high glucose response are associated with a number of abnormalities like increased risk of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome mostly comprises of insulin resistance and glucose intolerance which gives an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. It also gives rise to other conditions like high blood pressure (arterial hypertension), elevated blood insulin levels (hyper-insulinemia), elevated amounts of fat in the liver (fatty hepatosis) and elevated amounts of lipids in the blood (dyslipidemia). After type 2 diabetes become clinically apparent, the risk of cardiovascular disease also rises. Research has also shown that foods/drinks which raise blood glucose levels gradually (low GI) rather than rapidly (high GI) have health benefits which include reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome. Laboratory studies have shown that polyphenols found in fruits, vegetables and plant based foods have a positive effect on carbohydrate metabolism and can lower the blood glucose levels. Therefore a lower glycemic index diet may have benefits in terms of type two diabetes and heart disease management, and as a method for weight loss. There has been some research into the effects of pomegranate on lowering blood glucose responses both chronically and acutely. Mechanistic evidence suggests that this effect could be down to the organic acids found within pomegranate juice. 16 volunteers were fed 50 g available carbohydrate from white bread (109 g), and either 200 ml water (control) or 200 ml solution (test) containing citric acid (3.8 g) and malic acid (119 mg) the quantities that are found in 200 ml pomegranate juice (Biona) as analysed. Blood glucose was measured at baseline, and at 30 - 60 minute increments over three hours. Glucose curves were plotted, and the area under the curve was calculated and compared between conditions for each participant.