J Nutr. 2026 Jan 22:101374. doi: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2026.101374. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Postprandial elevation of triacylglycerol (TAG) is associated with endothelial dysfunction and represents an important independent cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor in women. While daily intakes of pomegranate seed oil (PSO, 80% conjugated α-linolenic acids) reduce fasting lipids, little is known about the acute effects on postprandial CVD risk markers.
OBJECTIVE: This study compared the impact of a PSO-rich meal with those of a control meal on postprandial TAG (primary outcome measure), lipids, glucose, insulin, microvascular function, and cell adhesion molecule responses in postmenopausal women.
METHODS: In a single-blind, randomized controlled postprandial crossover study, 16 postmenopausal women aged ≤ 65 years were assigned to consume either a PSO-rich or a control meal on two separate occasions, 4-6 weeks apart. A high-fat mixed meal (50 g fat) was provided at breakfast (0 min), and blood samples collected until 480 min postprandially to assess CVD risk markers. Specific time points were selected for blood pressure (0, 120, 240, 360 and 480 min) and microvascular reactivity (0, 180, 300 and 420 min). Postprandial data were analyzed using linear mixed models.
RESULTS: Compared with the control meal, the PSO-rich meal significantly reduced the postprandial TAG response but glucose, insulin, apolipoprotein B, and non-esterified fatty acid responses were similar. The area under the curve (AUC) and incremental AUC (iAUC) for the postprandial acetylcholine (endothelium-dependent vasodilation) induced reactivity response were greater (P≤ 0.04), and systolic blood pressure lower after the PSO-rich meal than the control meal. Additionally, the iAUC for the pulse wave velocity and AUC/iAUC for the soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 responses were lower whereas plasma nitrite concentrations were higher after the PSO-rich than control meal (P≤ 0.037).
CONCLUSIONS: A PSO-rich meal significantly reduced the postprandial TAG response and enhanced endothelial function versus a control meal, suggesting a potential cardioprotective effect in postmenopausal women.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER AND WEBSITE: The study was registered on https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06042673 (NCT06042673).
PMID:41580088 | DOI:10.1016/j.tjnut.2026.101374