Cranberry polyphenols‐gut microbiota interactions and potential health benefits: An updated review

Abstract

Abstract Cranberry fruits are rich in polyphenols, comprising small‐molecule flavonols, anthocyanins, and oligomeric A‐type proanthocyanidins. It is becoming increasingly clear that the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining the metabolic health of the human host, and the cranberry polyphenols‐gut microbiota interactions result in the production of an array of metabolites along with the compositional change of microbiota. Cranberry polyphenols‐induced these changes may be associated with improved host health and disease prevention. However, it is unclear to what extent microbiota‐derived metabolites are absorbed into the systemic circulation and exert pharmacological effects. Because the composition of gut microbiota influences the host energy metabolism and have systemic effects on lipid homeostasis, intake of cranberry rich diet may be beneficial in preventing metabolic syndrome associated with chronic diseases. Exploring connections between alterations in gut microbiome composition, and host metabolic health after chronic exposure to cranberry products is critical for understanding the potential health benefits of cranberry fruits.

Keywords

• ceramides
• cranberry
• gut microbiota
• metabolism
• polyphenols