Efficacy of Triticum aestivum L. versus Placebo on Vascular Function in Mexican Adults with Obesity

Abstract Background: Obesity is a multifactorial disease characterized by sustained inflammation that drives pathophysiological mechanisms leading to vascular dysfunction and eventual cardiovascular disease. Effective therapies to optimize vascular function are essential. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Triticum aestivum L supplementation versus placebo on vascular function in Mexican patients with obesity. Methods: We conducted a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in obese Mexican adults from the Guadalajara metropolitan area, diagnosed per World Health Organization criteria, who provided written informed consent. Sample size was calculated using standard clinical-trial formula, with a confidence level of 95%, statistical power of 80%, resulting in n = 10 per group. Participants were randomized to receive 500 mg Triticum aestivum L or matching placebo capsules every 12 hours for 120 days. Vascular function was assessed using VP1000 (ABI, baPWV) and UNEX EF (FMD), which measure blood pressure, pulse transit time, and arterial dilation after reactive hyperemia. Data are presented as mean ± SD and were analyzed using paired or independent Student’s t tests, as appropriate; p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Twenty participants completed the study (10 per group). Mean age was higher in the Triticum aestivum L. group than in the placebo group (46.1 ± 4.7 vs. 36.3 ± 5.7 years; p = 0.01). Sixteen participants were women. After 120 days, the Triticum aestivum L. group showed significant reductions in waist circumference (99.1 ± 9.75 to 94.4 ± 10.85 cm; p < 0.001), waist-to-hip ratio (0.85 ± 0.10 to 0.82 ± 0.11; p < 0.001), and serum uric acid levels (5.86 ± 1.07 to 5.28 ± 1.05 mg/dL; p = 0.023). An increase in flow-mediated dilation was observed, rising from 7.10 ± 2.53% at baseline to 9.15 ± 4.62% at day 120 (p = 0.06). Conclusions: Supplementation with Triticum aestivum L. was associated with improvements in anthropometric parameters, including waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio, as well as markers of vascular stiffness and endothelial function, and reductions in serum uric acid levels in adults with obesity. These findings suggest potential vascular benefits of Triticum aestivum L. as a nutraceutical intervention; however, larger randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these results.