If you own a vineyard, this has been a very good week. A new study showed that people over 60 who consume a moderate amount of alcohol had less risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. In some categories, the risk reduction was almost 50 percent (Anstey 2009). Less well publicized, but also encouraging, was a recent study suggesting that dark-skinned grapes might help those undergoing radiation therapy (Ramos de Andrade 2009).

The Brazilian authors tested black grape juice as a protector against the ill effects of radiation in Wistar rats. Sixteen animals got varying degrees of whole body radiation. Half were given a placebo sweet water drink, while the other half was allowed to drink their fill of grape juice for one week before and two weeks radiation. There was significant liver weight loss in the placebo group, while in the grape juice group their livers stayed normal. Also, in the placebo group there were the typical abnormalities of the blood after exposure to ionizing radiation exposure, including early leucopenia and anemia. But the intake of grape juice "induced an increase in granulocyte percent count" (Ramos de Andrade 2009).

I realize the benefit was seen in albino rats, not people. But perhaps this is an acceptable compromise to those oncologists who are so concerned that an antioxidant supplements will undo the beneficial effects of radiation therapy. After all, what harm could they imagine in adding grape juice to one's diet, especially before or after receiving powerful radiation therapy?

Note: The Brazilian study used black skinned grape juice. I don't find any such product on the market in the US. But one can probably safely substitute a dark grape juice, such as those derived from Concord grapes (Vitis labrusca).

--Ralph W. Moss, Ph.D.

References:

Anstey KJ, Mack HA, Cherbuin N. Alcohol consumption as a risk factor for dementia and cognitive decline: meta-analysis of prospective studies. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2009;17:542-555.

Ramos de Andrade E, Da Costa Escobar Piccoli J, Mânica da Cruz IB, et al. Radiomodifying effect of organic grape juice supplementation on hematological parameters and organ weight in whole-body X-irradiation in rats. Nutr Hosp. 2009;24:297-303.

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