Healthy
Conditions
Keywords
cranberry, gamma delta T cell, improvement in immune cell function in healthy humans, proliferation
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which consuming a cranberry beverage modifies immune function, specifically related to γδ T cells and other innate immune cells. It is hypothesized that cranberry components will interact with immune cells to activate signaling pathways that enhance cell function. Enhanced immune cell function should result in reduced number, duration, and severity of cold and flu symptoms.
Interventions
OTHERCranberry Beverage
8 oz cranberry beverage consumed daily for 12 weeks
OTHERPlacebo Beverage
8 oz placebo beverage consumed daily for 12 weeks
Sponsors
The Cranberry Institute
University of Florida
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
QUADRUPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
21 Years to 35 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* between 21 and 35 years of age and in good health * have a BMI between 18.5 and 29.9 * willing to consume the study beverage for 12 weeks * willing to have a small amount of blood drawn two times * willing to stop consuming tea and immune-enhancing dietary supplements (e.g. antioxidant-, probiotic-, or flavonoid-containing supplements, fish oil, and Echinacea) before and during the 12 weeks of the study * willing to consume no more than 7 servings of fruits and vegetables a day * willing to limit your alcohol consumption to no more than 14 glasses a week * willing to limit your yogurt consumption to no more than one 8oz. serving per day
Exclusion criteria
* have food allergies * have hypertension * taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on a chronic basis, antibiotics, or immunosuppressive drugs * sensitive to aspirin or prone to kidney stones * current smoker * pregnant, lactating, or on hormone therapy, except for birth control pills
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Immune Cell Function | Measured at baseline and 6 weeks | * Change in leukocyte phenotype * Change in the ability of the natural killer and/or γδ T cells to proliferate when cultured ex vivo * Change in peripheral blood mononuclear cell cytokine and chemokine production in response to mitogens |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cold and Flu Symptoms | 12 weeks | Incidence and severity of cold and flu symptoms, total and individual. Other signs of severity, for example, visits to doctor or health clinic, reduction in daily activities, prescribed or over-the-counter medications taken. |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed