Healthy, non-smoking men and women are needed for a research study examining the effects of a cranberry juice beverage on blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease risk factors. We are seeking participants 30 - 65 years of age with a BMI of 18-39kg/m2. Subjects must be healthy and not taking medications for high cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, or inflammatory conditions. Participants will be provided with a cranberry juice beverage and placebo beverage for 8-12 weeks each, with an 8 week break between test periods (total time for study is 24-32 weeks). At the completion of the study participants will receive lab results and compensation of $200. If you are interested in learning more about the study, please call 814-863-8622 or email psucranberry@gmail.com, mention the Cranberry Study and leave your name and a contact number. This study is being conducted by Dr. Penny Kris-Etherton, Department of Nutritional Sciences, at The Penn State University.
Participant Inclusion Criteria
- BMI ≥ 18 and ≤ 39 kg/m2
- Total cholesterol below 240 mg/dL
- Triglycerides below 350 mg/dL
- Non-smokers
- At least one of the following:
- Systolic blood pressure 120-159 mmHg
- Diastolic blood pressure 80-99 mmHg
- History of acute or chronic inflammatory conditions or heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, autoimmune disorders, or thyroid disease (unless controlled by medication and blood results within the previous 6 months are provided)
- History of diabetes mellitus (and/or a fasting glucose >126 mg/dL at screening)
- Stage II hypertension (blood pressure ≥ 160/100 mmHg)
- Lactation, pregnancy, or desire to become pregnant during the study
- Unwillingness to discontinue nutritional supplements, herbs, or vitamins unless approved by investigator
- Use of medications/supplements for elevated lipids, blood pressure, or glucose
- Chronic use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressant medication
- Conditions requiring the use of steroids
- Unwillingness to refrain from blood donation prior to and during the study
- Any medical condition or abnormal laboratory value that is judged clinically significant by an investigator
- Allergy or sensitivity to cranberry juice or any ingredient in the study beverages.