Pomegranate seed oil prevents diet induced obesity and insulin resistance in mice

Pomegranate seed oil (PSO) is a concentrated source of a unique fatty acid with three conjugated double bonds called punicic acid. PSO has been shown to protect against diet induced obesity and insulin resistance. In this study, the effects of PSO were investigated on high fat diet (HFD) induced development of obesity with regard to weight gain, fat mass and insulin sensitivity. High‐fat diet was used to induce obesity and insulin resistance for 12 weeks with or without 1% PSO. Body weight, body composition via DEXA and insulin sensitivity via hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp were assessed. PSO intake resulted in a significantly lower body weight, 32 g vs. 35 g PSO vs. HFD only respectively (p< 0.05) and lower fat mass, 3.3 ± 2.3 vs. 6.7 ± 2.7 g for PSO vs. HFD only respectively, p < 0.05. Insulin sensitivity assessment showed that dietary PSO‐supplementation improved peripheral insulin sensitivity, 170±% vs. 90±% for PSO and HFD only respectively, p < 0.05. We conclude that dietary pomegranate seed oil prevents or ameliorates high‐fat diet induced obesity and insulin resistance, independent of changes in food intake or energy expenditure in mice.