Quebec Study Shows That Cranberry Can Prevent Chronic Diseases By Improving Intestinal Microbiota
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team May 01, 2024 7 months, 3 weeks, 21 hours, 27 minutes ago
Health News: Cranberries have long been associated with numerous health benefits, ranging from reducing urinary tract infections to preventing cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. These positive effects have primarily been linked to the high concentrations of (poly)phenols found in cranberries. These (poly)phenolic compounds, including phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and flavonols, especially flavan-3-ols, are believed to be the key drivers of cranberries' health effects. However, recent research that is covered in this
Health News report that was conducted by researchers from Laval University, Quebec-Canada has shed light on another essential component of cranberries - oligosaccharides. These complex carbohydrates, particularly arabinoxyloglucans and pectic oligosaccharides, have been identified in significant amounts in cranberry extracts and are now thought to contribute significantly to the bioactivity and health benefits of cranberries.
Quebec Study Shows That Cranberry Can Prevent Chronic
Diseases By Improving Intestinal Microbiota
The Bidirectional Interaction Between (Poly)phenols, Oligosaccharides, and Gut Microbiota
Traditionally, the health effects of cranberries were attributed to the antioxidant activity of (poly)phenols. However, as these molecules are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and reach the colon intact, researchers began to explore their interaction with gut microbiota. This bidirectional interaction involves (poly)phenols altering the gut microbiota composition by inhibiting pathogenic bacteria while promoting the growth of beneficial ones, a concept known as "duplibiotics."
The Study Design: Exploring the Effects of Cranberry Extract on Gut Microbiota
The study aimed to delve deeper into the effects of a commercially available cranberry extract, PrebiocranTM, on the composition and function of the fecal microbiota in healthy individuals. The extract contained a combination of (poly)phenols and oligosaccharides, with (poly)phenols mainly comprising flavan-3-ols oligomers and oligosaccharides primarily composed of arabinoxyloglucans.
Short-Term Supplementation with Cranberry Extract and Microbiota Modulation
The study involved 39 healthy subjects, and after a four-day supplementation with the cranberry extract, significant changes were observed in the fecal microbiota composition. There was a notable increase in species richness and a decrease in alpha-diversity, indicating a shift in bacterial species evenness. Notably, the supplementation led to a bifidogenic effect, with an increase in Bifidobacterium abundance at the expense of Bacteroides.
Enterotype-Specific Responses to Cranberry Extract Supplementation
Further analysis revealed that individuals clustered into enterotypes based on their initial gut microbiota composition exhibited differential responses to the cranberry extract supplementation. One enterotype, characterized by Prevotella dominance, showed an increase in Faecalibac
terium and Agathobacter abundance, while the other enterotype, dominated by Bacteroides, primarily benefited from the bifidogenic effect.
Butyrate Production and Health Implications
The increase in Bifidobacterium abundance following cranberry extract supplementation was associated with an increase in butyrate-producing bacteria, such as Clostridium and Anaerobutyricum. Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid, is known for its beneficial effects on gastrointestinal health, including anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties. The modulation of butyrate production through cranberry extract supplementation holds promise for improving gut health and potentially mitigating chronic diseases.
Challenges and Future Directions
While the study demonstrated promising results regarding the bifidogenic and butyrogenic effects of cranberry extract, challenges such as inter-individual variability and the need for long-term studies remain. Understanding how different gut microbiota profiles respond to cranberry extract and elucidating the specific mechanisms underlying these responses will be crucial for harnessing the full potential of cranberries in promoting gut health and preventing chronic diseases.
Conclusion: Unlocking the Potential of Cranberry Extract
In conclusion, cranberry extract, rich in both (poly)phenols and oligosaccharides, shows significant promise in modulating gut microbiota composition and function. The bifidogenic and butyrogenic effects observed highlight its potential as a prebiotic agent, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and enhancing the production of health-promoting metabolites like butyrate. Further research, including long-term studies and larger cohorts, is warranted to fully understand the interplay between cranberry extract, gut microbiota, and human health.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: NPJ Biofilms and microbiomes.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41522-024-00493-w
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