Cranberry Consumption Improves γδ T Cell Function

Cranberry Consumption Improves γδ T Cell Function

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.

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