Chronic consumption of a high polyphenol cranberry beverage protects against inflammation and improves endothelial function in healthy but overweight humans (830.26)

Abstract

Clinical trials with cranberry products have mainly focused on urinary tract health. We studied the effects of chronic cranberry beverage consumption on oxidative damage, inflammation, and endothelial function in overweight but otherwise healthy humans. Seventy eight men and women (30‐70 y) with abdominal adiposity (BMI: 27‐35 kg/m2; waist:hip >0.8 for women and >0.9 for men; waist:height 蠅0.5) consumed 15.2 oz placebo or a high polyphenol content cranberry extract beverage (CEB) daily for 8 wk in a randomized, double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial. Blood was collected at 0, 3, 5, and 8 h after challenge with an oral dose of glucose following a single dose of cranberry beverage (acute) and daily consumption for 8 wk (chronic). Compared to placebo, a single dose of CEB elevated (P<0.05) reduced glutathione and reduced:oxidized glutathione ratio in blood, indicating enhanced redox capacity. Consumption of CEB also decreased (P<0.05) endothelin‐1 and tended to increase (P=0.07) nitric oxide in plasma. Plasma IFN‐γ was elevated (P<0.05) after a single dose of CEB. After the chronic intervention, CEB decreased (P<0.05) IFN‐γ and C‐reactive protein, and tended to increase (P=0.07) superoxide dismutase activity. An acute dose of cranberry beverage improved redox status and endothelial function, while chronic consumption down‐regulated inflammatory biomarkers.Grant Funding Source: Supported by Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. and USDA