![]() In vivo, animal models reveal that cranberry extracts can reduce C-reactive protein (CRP) 11 and proinflammatory interleukins and increase NO synthesis ( 9) decrease angiotensin-converting enzyme, angiotensin II, and angiotensin II type 1 receptor ( 10) suppress Helicobacter pylori infection ( 11) and improve pancreatic β-cell glucose responsiveness and functional β-cell mass ( 12). The American cranberry ( Vaccinium macrocarpon) is a particularly rich source of (poly)phenols, which have been associated in vitro with antibacterial, antiviral, antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, antitumorigenic, antiangiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties ( 3, 7, 8). Also, cranberry powders and extracts are now used in foods products and dietary supplements. Randomized clinical trials have progressed sufficiently in recent years so that meta-analyses of these results have now been conducted.Īlthough not usually consumed raw, cranberry intake can be marked because of its presence in juices and sauces as well as its use as a dried fruit in cereal bars, cheeses, and chocolate and other confectionery. Several berry fruit, including blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries, have recently received attention as a result of their effects in vitro and/or associations in observational studies with lowered risk of some chronic diseases. Whereas berries are noted simply as good sources of potassium or fiber, recent research suggests that berry fruits are a rich source of numerous phytochemicals with a broad array of bioactivity and an impact on human health ( 2– 6). The published guidelines provide as examples oranges and orange juice, apples and apple juice, bananas, grapes, raisins, and berries. ![]() These recommendations allow for a broad array of forms of fruit, including fresh, frozen, and canned, as well as dried fruit and fruit juices. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends an increase in fruit intake as part of a healthy dietary pattern ( 1). Berry fruit, including cranberries, represent a rich source of phenolic bioactives that may contribute to human health. Daily consumption of a variety of fruit is necessary to achieve a healthy dietary pattern, meet recommendations for micronutrient intake, and promote the intake of a diversity of phytochemicals. The mixed outcomes from clinical studies with cranberry products could result from interventions testing a variety of products, often uncharacterized in their composition of bioactives, using different doses and regimens, as well as the absence of a biomarker for compliance to the protocol. ![]() There is encouraging, but limited, evidence of a cardioprotective effect of cranberries mediated via actions on antioxidant capacity and lipoprotein profiles. Evidence suggesting that cranberries may decrease the recurrence of urinary tract infections is important because a nutritional approach to this condition could lower the use of antibiotic treatment and the consequent development of resistance to these drugs. Human studies on the health effects of cranberry products have focused principally on urinary tract and cardiovascular health, with some attention also directed to oral health and gastrointestinal epithelia. Basic research has suggested a number of potential mechanisms of action of cranberry bioactives, although further molecular studies are necessary. The profile of cranberry bioactives is distinct from that of other berry fruit, being rich in A-type proanthocyanidins (PACs) in contrast to the B-type PACs present in most other fruit. Recent observational and clinical studies have raised interest in the potential health effects of cranberry consumption, an association that appears to be due to the phytochemical content of this fruit.
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