The Effect of Grapefruit Intake on Endogenous Serum Estrogen Levels in Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Although grapefruit intake leads to elevated serum estrogen levels when hormones are taken orally, there are no published data on the effect on endogenous levels. We conducted a pilot dietary intervention study among healthy postmenopausal volunteers to test whole grapefruit, 2 juices, and 1 grapefruit soda. Fifty-nine participants were recruited through the Love/Avon Army of Women. The study consisted of a 3-wk run-in, 2 wk of grapefruit intake, and a 1-wk wash-out. Eight fasting blood samples were collected. An additional 5 samples drawn at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 10 hr after grapefruit intake were collected during an acute-phase study for 10 women. Serum assays for estrone (E₁), estradiol (E₂), estrone-3-sulfate (E₁S), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and sex hormone-binding globulin were conducted. Whole grapefruit intake had significant effects on endogenous E₁S. Peak effects were seen at 8 hr, increasing by 26% from baseline. No changes in mean E₁ or E₂ with whole fruit intake were observed. In contrast, fresh juice, bottled juice, and soda intake all had significant lowering effects on E₂. The findings suggest an important interaction between grapefruit intake and endogenous estrogen levels. Because endogenous estrogen levels are associated with breast cancer risk, further research is warranted.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This work was supported by funds from the California Breast Cancer Research Program of the University of California, Grant Number 14IB-0019. Special thanks to the Love/Avon Army of Women (www.armyofwomen.org) and the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation for providing a valuable resource through which we were able to recruit study participants. We are especially grateful to the women who volunteered to participate in this research study.