The impact of dried cranberries on gut health

From their antioxidants to their anti-inflammatory properties, the health benefits of cranberries are not a new concept. Researchers from the University of Wisconsin - Madison tested whether adding one handful a day of sweetened dried cranberries could positively influence the gut microbiome, which is responsible for several biological functions such as immunity and disease-fighting capabilities.

According to MyPlate guidelines, a serving of dried cranberries provides 10% of the daily value for fibre and half a cup is equivalent to one fruit serving.

Over a period of two weeks, researchers aimed to determine if daily consumption of sweetened dried cranberries changed the urinary proteome and faecal microbiome. Ten healthy individuals provided baseline urine and faecal samples in a fasted state (8–12 hours) at the beginning of the study. They then consumed one serving (42 g) of dried cranberries daily with lunch for the following two weeks before urine and faecal samples were collected again.

"The aim of our prospective study was to determine if just one addition to the diet — a typical serving of sweetened dried cranberries — could alter a myriad of proteins and natural bacteria in the urinary proteome and fecal microbiome," explained the lead author, Dr Jess D Reed.

In 2013, decades of research regarding the health benefits of cranberries was collated into a review published in Advances of Nutrition. It stated the association between cranberries and health was most likely due to the plant compounds in cranberries, and some research evaluated the impact of the fruit on the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections, cardiovascular health and blood glucose management.

While the correlation has been proven before, it was not as pronounced in this study. Reed said, "Previous investigations showed that cranberry compounds influenced gut health. Similarly, our findings were positive, albeit statistically insignificant, but motivate us to continue exploring."

"This trial only scratches the surface of the potential role of cranberries in whole-body health," agreed study author, Chris Krueger. "These results give us another reason to delve deeper into the diverse effects cranberry compounds have on the human body."

The research was published in OMICS: A Journal of Integrative Biology and funded by The Cranberry Institute, with grant support provided by the Cranberry Marketing Committee (CMC).