(P04-029-24) The Effects of Blenderized Watermelon on Gastrointestinal Comfort, Skin Health, and Breath Tests

Objectives: Watermelon, including flesh and rind, is rich in fiber and fructose which may affect gastrointestinal comfort and breath gas content. Also, watermelon is primarily composed of water, which may affect skin health with topical treatment. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of blenderized watermelon (flesh and rind) on gastrointestinal comfort, skin health, and end-expiratory breath content of hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide gasses.

Methods: This cross-over study included 49 subjects (37 females and 12 males) between the ages of 20-40. Participants were randomly assigned to a blenderized watermelon (WM) treatment (flesh and rind) (1 cup) and an isocaloric sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) with a 2 or 3-day washout period. Gastrointestinal comfort was recorded at baseline and every 15 minutes up to 60 minutes post snack consumption using a visual analog scale (GI VAS). A breath tracker analyzer was used to measure hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide gasses at baseline and 60-minute post snack consumption. Topical skin tests were conducted to measure moisture, pigment, sebum production, collagen, skin color, redness, and textural integrities.

Results: The GI VAS scores showed an increase in cramping (P=0.002) and distension (P=0.002) from baseline to 15 minutes after consumption of both treatments, but there was no significant difference between trials. Skin moisture levels increased in both treatments of WM and SSB (P=0.001), with the watermelon group increasing more (P=0.033). Both treatments showed a significant decrease in sebum oil, with watermelon decreasing less (P=0.009).

Conclusions: Research has shown that high methane and hydrogen gas production in breath tests is related to malabsorption and may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Our study showed that blenderized watermelon, including flesh and rind, in a moderate amount does not affect hydrogen, methane, or carbon dioxide content in breath and may be a good snack in relation to gastrointestinal comfort. Topical blenderized watermelon application may be beneficial to retain moisture and decrease sebum on the skin barrier.

Funding Sources: This work was supported by the National Watermelon Promotion Board (DTD 11-03-23) and the SDSU 302L Advanced Nutrition Laboratory class.