Study Finds Cranberry Extract Improves Microbiota and Lowers Cardiometabolic Risk Rapidly
Researchers discovered that after just four days of taking cranberry extract, there was a significant improvement in the balance of the gut microbiome. This positive change included an increase in beneficial microbes and a decrease in potentially harmful microbes. These effects can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of developing conditions like gut cancer, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other illnesses.
It is not always necessary to wait a long time for a nutritional supplement to show health benefits. A study published in Nature Partner Journals (NPJ) suggests that people who take cranberry extract may experience benefits in a short amount of time.
This study, conducted at Laval University and the Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF) in Canada, focused on the cranberry extract product, Prebiocran™. Analysis showed that Prebiocran™ is high in polyphenol antioxidants, particularly flavan-3-ols, and oligosaccharides, which are small carbohydrate fibers that may enhance the bioactivity of polyphenols.
The researchers noted that the combined action of polyphenols and oligosaccharides in the cranberry extract likely produces beneficial effects on the gut microbiome.
Key Beneficial Ingredients
The experiment involved 28 healthy participants who took a daily dose of the extract, equivalent to 60 grams of fresh cranberries, for four days. The results indicated that this regimen improved gut health through probiotic properties, which increase beneficial bacterial strains, and antimicrobial properties, which decrease potentially harmful strains. The researchers referred to this dual action as “duplibiotic.”
1. Probiotic
The extract boosted the population of Bifidobacterium and butyrate-producing bacteria in the colon.
Previous studies have shown that Bifidobacterium is beneficial for conditions like colorectal cancer, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, and neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis. The extract also increased the number of butyrate-producing bacteria, including Anaerobutyricum and Clostridium.
2. Antimicrobial
The cranberry extract decreased the population of potentially pathogenic Bacteroides in the colon. This reduction allowed Bifidobacterium to occupy the niche once filled by Bacteroides.
Health Import of the Benefits
Inflammation from lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in the gut can lead to chronic diseases, but including cranberry extract in the diet could improve outcomes, according to lead researcher Yves Desjardins in a press release.
Further research has characterized the prebiotic effect of the extract as “strong,” especially considering the rapid impact it had in such a short time with a low dose of key ingredients.
Further Insights into Microbiome Importance
Gastroenterologist Dr. Rudolph Bedford explained that gut health is crucial for overall wellness due to the organ’s role in immunity and its impact on hormonal levels and other physiological functions. Many diseases, both physical and mental, are affected by the gut microbiome.
How to Improve Gut Microbiome
Efforts to improve gut health include consuming a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, and following directions for taking Prebiocran™.
Diet
Studies have shown that plant-based diets are beneficial for the microbiome, while animal-based diets can have negative effects. The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and fatty fish, is associated with a healthy gut microbiome.
Exercise has also been found to improve the quality of the gut microbiome by enhancing microbial diversity, improving the ratio of beneficial to harmful bacteria, stimulating the growth of bacteria that regulate immunity, and increasing bacteria that produce substances protective against certain diseases.
