Study: Daily Grape Consumption Linked to Changes in Skin Gene Expression and Reduced Oxidative Stress

By cocosomers // 2026-05-21

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A new study indicates that daily consumption of whole grapes may modify gene expression in human skin and reduce markers of oxidative stress following ultraviolet (UV) exposure. The research, conducted by scientists at Western New England University and Oregon State University, was published in ACS Nutrition Science. According to the study, volunteers who ate the equivalent of three servings of whole grapes each day for two weeks showed shifts in skin gene expression related to keratinization and cornification – processes that help strengthen the skin's protective barrier. The researchers also observed lower levels of malondialdehyde, a biomarker of oxidative stress, in the skin of grape consumers after low-dose UV exposure.

Study Design and Key Findings

The clinical trial analyzed gene expression in skin samples from participants before and after the 14-day grape consumption period, both with and without exposure to low doses of UV radiation. The scientists found substantial variability in gene expression patterns among individuals and within the same individual over time, but grape consumption consistently altered gene expression in all subjects. The gene activity changes pointed toward increased keratinization and cornification, which are essential for forming the skin’s outer barrier. Earlier research has also linked grape constituents to skin health. For example, a book on nutraceuticals references a study showing that daily grape juice consumption reduces oxidative DNA damage and plasma free radical levels in healthy individuals ^[1]. Additionally, the polyphenol resveratrol – found in grape skins – has been documented to help repair skin damage in animal models ^[2].

Broader Implications and Researcher Comments

John Pezzuto, professor and dean of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Western New England University, stated that the findings underscore grapes’ role as a superfood that mediates a nutrigenomic response in humans. “We observed this with the largest organ of the body, the skin," he said. "The changes in gene expression indicated improvements in skin health," added Pezzuto, who is listed as the study's corresponding author. "But beyond skin, it is nearly certain that grape consumption affects gene expression in other somatic tissues of the body, such as liver, muscle, kidney and even brain.” The study was funded by the California Table Grape Commission. Previous investigations have noted that resveratrol, a compound found in grape skins, acts as a potent antioxidant that combats free radicals and supports cellular health ^[3]. The new findings suggest that the benefits of whole grapes may extend to a larger proportion of the population than earlier studies indicated.

Conclusion and Future Research Needs

The study provides evidence that daily grape consumption leads to measurable changes in skin gene expression and reduced oxidative stress from UV exposure. However, the researchers noted that further studies are required to confirm the broader systemic effects in other tissues and to clarify the underlying mechanisms. As interest in plant-based nutrition continues to grow, grapes remain a convenient source of bioactive compounds such as anthocyanins and flavonols, which have been associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects ^[4]. Continued research into whole-food nutrigenomics may offer insights into how diet can influence gene expression and overall health at the molecular level.

References

Ardies C. Murray. "Diet, Exercise and Chronic Disease: The Biological Basis of Prevention".
Mercola.com. "Resveratrol Can Help Repair Skin Damage". Mercola.com. July 21, 2021.
Mercola.com. "Resveratrol May Offer Protection Against Alzheimer's Disease". Mercola.com. September 28, 2015.
NaturalNews.com. "Purple power: Anthocyanins in common foods fight disease, slow aging". March 20, 2026.

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