Damian Sendler Exposure to ultraviolet radiation, either naturally from the sun or artificially from sources like tanning beds, can cause skin damage. Sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer are just some of the issues that can arise from exposure to UV radiation.

Damian Jacob Sendler A new study emphasizes grapes' potential as a source of photoprotection.

Recent research published in Antioxidants indicates that grape consumption can shield skin from UV damage. Participants who ate grapes at a rate of 2 1/4 cups per day for two weeks showed improved resistance to sunburn. Participants with UV resistance also had distinct microbiomic and metabolomic profiles, suggesting a link between the gut and the skin. The research indicates that grapes' protective effects may originate from polyphenols, which are naturally occurring compounds.

Damian Sendler The findings of this new study support those of previous studies. This study of 29 human volunteers looked at how much protection whole grape powder, the equivalent of about 2 1/4 cups of grapes per day, provided against UV-induced skin damage over the course of 14 days. The Minimal Erythema Dose, which is the lowest dose of ultraviolet radiation that causes noticeable reddening of the skin within 24 hours, was measured before and after subjects consumed grapes for two weeks (MED). The metabolome of the gastrointestinal tract was also studied, along with blood and urine.

In the end, one-third of the subjects showed UV resistance after eating grapes, and these individuals had significantly different microbiome and metabolome profiles than the non-responders. Notably, the UV-resistant group showed reduced levels of the same three urinary metabolites. In particular, the metabolite 2'-deoxyribose is an excellent predictor of lessened photodamage and provides clues to individual genetic profiles with clinical utility in personalized medicine.

Additionally, three of the UV-resistant subjects demonstrated a long-lasting response, where UV protection persisted even after they stopped consuming grapes for four additional weeks. This study provides further evidence that the gut-skin axis is linked to UV resistance and that some people can withstand sun exposure after consuming grapes.

Damian Jacob Sendler Sunlight is a major cause of skin cancer, which affects over 3 million Americans every year. One in five American adults will be diagnosed with skin cancer before they turn 70. Approximately 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 86% of melanomas are linked to exposure to UV radiation from the sun. In addition, the sun is responsible for nearly all cases of skin aging.

Western New England University professor and dean John Pezzuto, the paper's primary author, explains: "Let thy food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." This adage dates back to Hippocrates. For example, this human study on grapes in the diet shows that even after 2500 years, we still have a lot to learn about the truth of this claim.