Effects of Cranberry on Gut and Metabolic Health

ConditionsOverweight/Obesity Metabolic Syndrome Insulin Resistance Microbiota

Trial statusRecruiting

Trial phaseNot applicable

Trial typeInterventional

Biological sexAll

Age25-70

SponsorLaval University

About this trial

The consumption of plant-based foods, particularly berries, has been associated with improved health due to their high content of bioactive compounds. Among these, polyphenols-especially proanthocyanidins (PACs)-may offer protective effects against chronic diseases related to overweight and obesity. Cranberries are naturally rich in PACs and may positively influence metabolic health by modulating the gut microbiota. However, their specific effects on intestinal integrity and broader metabolic outcomes remain underexplored.

The primary aim of this study is to assess the effects of cranberry supplementation on glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, blood lipid levels, and the composition and function of the gut microbiota in overweight and obese individuals.

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial will include two 12-week intervention periods-one with a cranberry beverage and one with a placebo-separated by a 4-week washout period and preceded by a 2-week lifestyle stabilization phase. Participants will undergo comprehensive metabolic assessments (glucose control, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile), body composition analysis, gut microbiota profiling, and liver fat imaging (MRI in a subsample of female participants). Additional evaluations will include markers of inflammation, appetite regulation, intestinal health, and lifestyle factors.

Eligibility criteria

This trial accepts healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

body mass index between 25 and 40 kg/m2

at least one of the following criteria: fasting plasma insulin >60 pmol/L, fasting glycemia between 5.5 and 6.9 mmol/L, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level of 5.7- 6.4% and/or fasting triglyceride >1.35 mmol/L.

Disqualifiers

to have aversion to cranberry products

regularly drinking alcohol (>2 glasses/day)

having a significant change in body weight in the past 3 months (±5% of their body weight) due to bariatric surgery or other conditions

taking medication which may affect the study outcomes (i.e. antidiabetic and/or cholesterol or lipid-lowering medications and/or glucocorticosteroid in supraphysiological doses and/or anti-obesity medications)

Trial design

Design model

Crossover

Treatments tested in this trial

Cranberry beverage
Dietary supplement
Daily consumption of 240 ml of cranberry beverage for 12 weeks.
Placebo beverage
Dietary supplement
Daily consumption of 240 ml of placebo beverage for 12 weeks.

Treatment groups

73 Participants

are divided into 2 treatment groups

Group A: Cranberry beverageExperimental treatment 1 intervention

Group B: Placebo beveragePlacebo comparator 1 intervention

Trial outcomes