Effects of a Polyphenol-rich Cranberry Extract on Cardiometabolic and Neurocognitive Health

The objective of this double-blind, parallel, randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial is to evaluate the effects of consumption of polyphenol-rich cranberry extract standardized in PACs (36 mg PACs/capsule) on cardiometabolic and neurocognitive health in women and men presenting abdominal obesity over an 8-week intervention period. The study will be conducted at Quebec Heart and Lung Institute - Laval University. The study will involve a total of 60 adult men and women presenting abdominal obesity. Included participants will be randomly assigned to the consumption of a cranberry extract or a placebo at a rate of one capsule per day for 8 weeks (56 days). The main outcomes are changes in metabolic profile, neurocognitive performance as well as brain structure and function following polyphenol-rich cranberry extract standardized in PACs compared with the placebo.

Inclusion criteria: * Men and women aged between 30-70 years old; * BMI equal or greater than 25 kg/m2; * Waist circumference ≥85 cm for women, ≥90 cm for men; * Stable weight in the past 3 months; * Plasma triglycerides levels ≥1.5 mmol/L for men and women; * Access to a computer and Internet. Exclusion criteria: * Any severe uncontrolled medical, surgical, neurological or psychiatric condition; * Medication for dyslipidemias, CVD, T2D or obesity; * Medication that may affect the CNS; * Gastro-intestinal conditions or disorders likely to impact on absorption; * History of nephrolithiasis or urolithiasis; * Contraindications to MRI (cardiac pacemaker/defibrillator, cochlear implant or other ear implant, implanted insulin pump or other infusion pump systems, neurostimulator or other electronic/magnetic implant or device, any type of prothesis, aneurysm clips, any metallic fragments, vascular access port, catheter, dental retainer, claustrophobia, surgery in the last 3 months); * Anticoagulant/blood thinning medication in the last month; * Pregnant or breastfeeding women; * Substance or alcohol abuse; * Known allergy or intolerance to cranberry; * Currently smoking.