Actively Recruiting
Effects of Cranberry on Gut and Metabolic Health
Led by Laval University · Updated on 2026-03-10
73
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
73 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
L
Laval University
Lead Sponsor
O
Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc.
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
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.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Effects of Cranberry on Gut and Metabolic Health
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Body mass index between 25 and 40 kg/m2
- At least one of the following: fasting plasma insulin above 60 pmol/L, fasting blood sugar between 5.5 and 6.9 mmol/L, HbA1c level between 5.7% and 6.4%, or fasting triglycerides above 1.35 mmol/L
You will not qualify if you...
- Aversion to cranberry products
- Regularly drinking more than 2 glasses of alcohol per day
- Significant body weight change (±15%) in the past 3 months due to bariatric surgery or other causes
- Taking medications affecting study outcomes such as antidiabetic, cholesterol or lipid-lowering, high-dose glucocorticosteroids, or anti-obesity drugs
- Taking regular probiotics, prebiotics, or fruit/berry polyphenol supplements in the past 3 months
- Having eating disorders
- Major surgery within 3 months prior to the study or planned surgery
- Intestinal malabsorption, cirrhosis, or chronic kidney disease
- Being pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
INAF, Université Laval
Québec, Quebec, Canada, G1V0A6
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Julie Marois, M.Sc.
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
2
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