Effect of Biophenol-rich Pomegranate Extract Intake on Blood Pressure, Hormones, Body Composition and Quality of Life in Healthy Volunteers.

After randomisation to a study arm, eligible participants will consume either one pomegranate extract or placebo capsule (identical in appearance) daily, for a period of 4 weeks. The pomegranate capsule contains 650mg of pomegranate extract (240 mg punicalagins and 350mg total biophenols) and the placebo, maltodextrin. Participants will be required to attend the university clinic lab twice, having fasted overnight, with all measurements being taken pre and post study at 4 weeks. Blood, saliva and 24 hr urine samples will be provided. Body weight and composition, dietary habits and quality of life will also be measured. The well validated health related Quality of Life Questionnaire (Rand 36) will be administered pre- and post-intervention. This series of questions covers eight spheres of health. The physical health component considers physical functioning, physical role, bodily pain and general health. The mental health aspect examines vitality, social functioning, emotional role and general mental health. Anthropometric measurements recorded will be height, weight, waist, mid upper arm circumference. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), which measures conductivity from hand to foot, calculating both body fat and fat free mass, will also be performed. Pre and post study comparison of the amount of polyphenols in 24 hr urine samples provided, alongside capsule consumption checks, will measure compliance. A 3 day diet diary record, will be used for recording energy intake and to highlight any fluctuations in dietary intake over the study period. The data will be analysed using Statistical Programme for Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows software version 19. Differences in baseline characteristics will be examined using independent t- tests with extract and placebo groups as independent variables and outcome measures as dependent variables. Paired t-tests will determine any individual differences between pre and post biochemical markers and anthropometric measurements. ANCOVAs will determine the overall differences between the independent groups. This exploratory study will provide a foundation for and refine the outcome measures required for a larger future trial.