Cranberry for Metabolic Health

(CRANOS Trial)

Overseen By Julie Marois, M.Sc.

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Laval University

Must not be taking: Antidiabetics, Cholesterol-lowering, Glucocorticosteroids, Anti-obesity

Disqualifiers: Alcohol use, Weight change, Eating disorders, Surgery, Intestinal malabsorption, others

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

73 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether drinking a cranberry beverage can improve metabolic health in individuals who are overweight or obese. Researchers aim to assess the effects of cranberries on blood sugar, insulin (a hormone that regulates blood sugar), and cholesterol. The trial will also examine changes in the gut microbiome, the stomach bacteria that aid digestion. Participants must have a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 40 and exhibit signs of metabolic issues, such as high fasting insulin or slightly elevated blood sugar levels. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research on natural methods to enhance metabolic health.

What prior data suggests that cranberry supplementation is safe for metabolic health?

Research shows that cranberry extract is generally safe for people. Studies have found that cranberry can help improve conditions related to metabolic syndrome, including high blood sugar and cholesterol levels. For example, drinking cranberry juice may lower blood pressure and reduce bad cholesterol. Some research even suggests that cranberry extract can function like certain medications to lower the risk of heart disease. These findings indicate that cranberry is well-tolerated and does not cause serious side effects.

In summary, existing studies support the idea that cranberry is safe for consumption, particularly for improving metabolic health. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Most treatments for metabolic health issues focus on medications that regulate blood sugar or cholesterol levels. But cranberry is different—it taps into the natural power of fruit. Researchers are excited about cranberry because it contains unique antioxidants called proanthocyanidins, which might improve metabolism by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Unlike traditional medications, which often come with side effects, cranberry offers a more natural approach that could be gentler on the body. This makes cranberry a promising alternative for those looking for a more holistic way to support metabolic health.

What evidence suggests that cranberry might be an effective treatment for metabolic health?

Research has shown that eating cranberries benefits various aspects of metabolic health. Studies have found that consuming berries, like cranberries, can lower fasting blood sugar and improve insulin use in people with diabetes. Drinking cranberry juice may help lower blood pressure, reduce certain blood fats, and decrease inflammation. Some research even suggests that cranberry extract might improve metabolic health as effectively as metformin, a common diabetes medication. Additionally, eating cranberries can help reduce damage to fats in the body and increase antioxidants, which protect cells from harm.

In this trial, participants will receive either a cranberry beverage or a placebo beverage to evaluate the effects on metabolic health. These findings suggest that cranberries may aid in better blood sugar control and overall heart health for those with metabolic concerns. ^{4 6 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Inclusion Criteria

* 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.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Lifestyle Stabilization

Participants undergo a lifestyle stabilization phase to ensure consistent baseline conditions

2 weeks

Treatment Period 1

Participants receive either a cranberry beverage or placebo for 12 weeks

12 weeks

Pre and post-treatment assessments

Washout

A washout period to eliminate the effects of the first treatment before starting the second

4 weeks

Treatment Period 2

Participants receive the alternate treatment (cranberry beverage or placebo) for 12 weeks

12 weeks

Pre and post-treatment assessments

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Cranberry

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Cranberry beverage Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group II: Placebo beverage Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Laval University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

439

Recruited

178,000+

Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc.

Industry Sponsor

Trials

7

Recruited

520+

Citations

1.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10974925/

The Effects of Cranberry Consumption on Glycemic and Lipid ...

Previous reviews found berry consumption reduced fasting blood glucose and HbA1c and improved insulin resistance in diabetes [53,60]. In terms of lipid profiles ...

2.

jn.nutrition.org

jn.nutrition.org/article/S0022-3166(22)08743-0/fulltext

Cranberry Juice Consumption Lowers Markers of ...

LCCJ can improve several risk factors of CVD in adults, including circulating TGs, CRP, and glucose, insulin resistance, and diastolic BP.

3.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S175646461500537X

Beneficial effects of cranberry in the prevention of obesity ...

Cranberry administration has been reported to ameliorate dyslipidemia, hyperglycaemia and oxidative stress in individuals with the metabolic syndrome.

4.

nad.com

nad.com/news/new-study-shows-cranberry-extract-equivalent-to-metformin-in-fighting-aging

New Study Shows Cranberry Extract Equivalent to ...

The results were striking: cranberry extract improved metabolic health across nearly every endpoint, performing comparably to metformin.

5.

cranberryinstitute.org

cranberryinstitute.org/cranberry-health-research/library/category/cardiovascular-health-anti-inflammatory-benefits/human

Cardiovascular Health and Anti-inflammatory Benefits

Cranberry juice consumption lowers markers of cardiometabolic risk, including blood pressure and circulating C-reactive protein, triglyceride, ...

6.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12436610/

Cranberry improves metabolic syndrome-related organ ... - PMC

In conclusion, cranberry extract is potentially a safe therapeutic strategy for MetS, offering broad-spectrum action, organ protection, and ...

7.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07460856

Effects of Cranberry on Gut and Metabolic Health (CRANOS)

The primary aim of this study is to assess the effects of cranberry supplementation on glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, blood lipid ...

8.

nature.com

nature.com/articles/s41598-025-16925-2

Cranberry improves metabolic syndrome-related organ ...

In conclusion, cranberry extract is potentially a safe therapeutic strategy for MetS, offering broad-spectrum action, organ protection, and ...

9.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25904733/

Cranberry juice consumption lowers markers of ...

Cranberry juice consumption lowers markers of cardiometabolic risk, including blood pressure and circulating C-reactive protein, triglyceride, and glucose ...