---
title: Recent Pilot Study Explores the Impact of Grape Powder Supplementation on the Gut Microbiome
description: A pilot study found grape powder supplementation shifted gut microbiota, increasing Akkermansia and altering markers linked to lipid metabolism.
image: https://www.casi.org/hubfs/casi/archive/sciblog_12.jpg
---

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Science Update

# Recent Pilot Study Explores the Impact of Grape Powder Supplementation on the Gut Microbiome

CA Cory Ambrose, ND, MAT Jan 21, 2022

![Recent Pilot Study Explores the Impact of Grape Powder Supplementation on the Gut Microbiome](https://www.casi.org/hs-fs/hubfs/casi/archive/sciblog_12.jpg?width=960)

The health-supportive role of grapes continues to be a robust topic of research. Grapes contain many bioactive and health-supportive molecules, which include dietary fiber, [polyphenols](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34836220/) (such as pro-anthocyanidins), and flavonoids (such as quercetin). Research indicates that fruits containing high levels of polyphenols may exhibit prebiotic activity and support the composition of the gastrointestinal (GI) [microbiome](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34836220/).

A recently published pilot study by [Yang and colleagues](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34836220/) explored the impact of supplementation with grape powder on the GI microbiome. Healthy participants between the ages of 18 and 55 years who habitually consumed a diet low in dietary fiber and polyphenols were recruited. The study included a 4-week standardization phase consisting of a low fiber and low polyphenol diet followed by the treatment period. The treatment period involved 46 g or the equivalent of two servings of standardized freeze-dried whole table grape powder daily for 4 weeks while continuing the low fiber and low polyphenol diet.

Data from 19 participants were collected for the 8-week study period. Changes in fecal abundance of certain [microbiota](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34836220/) were observed. Significant increases in organisms in the genera, *Akkermansia*, *Flavonifractor*, *Lachnospiraceae*, and the phylum *Verrucomicrobia* were reported after [treatment](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34836220/) as compared to baseline. Significant [decreases](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34836220/) in *Bifidobacterium* and *Balister* were also observed. 

*Akkermansia* is a genus of [microorganisms](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34836220/) that has been shown in recent research to influence lipid metabolism. It also has been shown to help modulate [mucin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34836220/) production and support the protection of the GI barrier, which may help prevent [dysbiosis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34836220/). The authors of this [study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34836220/) also noted that the reason for the decrease in *Bifidobacterium* is largely unknown. 

Other changes observed in this study by Yang and colleagues include biomarkers related to [lipid metabolism](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34836220/). At the end of the 4-week treatment period, a 6.1% decrease in total serum [cholesterol](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34836220/) level and a 7.6% decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was reported. Also observed were significant decreases in serum conjugated primary [bile acids](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34836220/) (BAs) and decreases in conjugated secondary BAs. 

Polyphenol-rich foods, such as grapes, have been studied for decades for their supportive role in [cardiovascular health](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28045444/). Dietary intake of [flavonoids](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28045444/), a subclass of polyphenols, has been associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. Polyphenols have been shown to modulate low-density lipoprotein [oxidation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28045444/) and influence the development of atherosclerosis. 

Research studies continue to elucidate the health-supportive role of polyphenol-rich fruits, such as grapes. Grapes have been shown to support cardiovascular health in many ways. According to the study by [Yang and colleagues](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34836220/), the researchers suggest that grapes may also support a healthy GI microbiome composition. 

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### Cory Ambrose, ND, MAT

Clinical Application

## Clinical Considerations in Practice

 In clinical practice, practitioners considering the topics discussed above may also weigh nutrient form, delivery and formulation, alongside individual patient variability.

### Practitioner Formulation Example

![PhytoBiome™](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/lemtscrs/production-www/85f1f52adfd4664c6c18e537a2cf9a35836cd9e3-2000x2000.png?w=128&h=128&fit=max&auto=format)

PhytoBiome™

Cranberry, pomegranate, grape and blueberry polyphenols

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#### [Research & Education How Akkermansia Supports GLP-1 Production and Metabolic Function May 27, 2026](https://www.casi.org/articles/akkermansia-supports-glp-1-production-metabolic-function)

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