Fruit juice effects on post-meal blood sugar and insulin

A Randomized, Crossover, Controlled Trial Investigating the Effects of Different Cranberry-Based Beverages on Postprandial Glucose, Insulin, and GLP-1

This test will see if different fruit juices cause different blood sugar and insulin responses in healthy adults aged 18 to 45.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 18 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 45 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. (Industry-sponsored)
• Locations: 1 site (Addison, Illinois)
• Trial ID: NCT07103083 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The study measures acute postprandial blood glucose and insulin responses after consumption of five different fruit beverages. Healthy adults (BMI 18.5–<30 kg/m2, fasting capillary glucose ≤110 mg/dL) will attend multiple fasted test visits and consume each beverage with blood samples taken before and at intervals after consumption. Participants must avoid high-polyphenol foods, alcohol, tobacco, and limit cannabis use during the study to reduce confounding. The data will clarify short-term metabolic effects of liquid fruit sources within typical dietary patterns.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–45 with BMI between 18.5 and 30 kg/m2, fasting capillary glucose ≤110 mg/dL, who are non-smokers and willing to follow short-term dietary and activity restrictions are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People with diabetes, fasting glucose above 110 mg/dL, BMI outside the specified range, current tobacco or regular cannabis users, or those unable to attend in-person visits are unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help people and clinicians choose fruit juices that lead to smaller post-meal blood sugar and insulin spikes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous short-term metabolic studies have examined glycemic responses to fruit juices and other beverages, showing varied effects depending on juice type and sugar content, so the approach is established though findings are not uniform.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. ≥18 to ≤45 years of age at Visit 1.
2. BMI ≥18.5 and \<30.0 kg/m2 at Visit 1.
3. Fasting capillary glucose ≤110 mg/dL at Visit 1.
4. Willing to avoid consuming high-polyphenol containing foods for 48 hours prior to each test visit.
5. Willing to abstain from alcohol consumption for 24 hours prior to each study visit.
6. Non-user of tobacco or nicotine products (e.g., cigarette smoking, vaping, chewing tobacco) within 12 months of Visit 1, with no plans to begin use during the study period.
7. Non-habitual users (i.e., daily or almost daily) of marijuana or hemp products, including Cannabidiol (CBD)/Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products, and willing to abstain from use throughout the study period (topical creams/lotions are allowed).
8. Willing to maintain habitual physical activity level throughout the duration of the study.
9. Willing to maintain habitual dietary pattern throughout the duration of the study, including stable intake of current vitamins, minerals, supplements and medications not interfering with study outcomes.
10. Score of 7 to 10 on the Vein Access Scale at Visit 1.
11. No health conditions that would prevent him/her from fulfilling the study requirements as judged by the Clinical Investigator on the basis of medical history.
12. Understands the study procedures and signs forms providing informed consent to participate in the study and authorizes the release of relevant protected health information to the Clinical Investigator.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History or presence of clinically important cardiac, renal, hepatic, endocrine, pulmonary, biliary, pancreatic, gastrointestinal, or neurological disorders that may affect the participant's ability to adhere to the study protocol and/or affect study outcomes, in the judgment of the Clinical Investigator.
2. Uncontrolled hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg) as defined by the blood pressure measured at Visit 1 (Section 9.1.1).
3. Unstable use (initiation or change in dose) within 30 days of Visit 1 of antihypertensive medications.
4. Unstable use (initiation or change in dose) within 30 days of Visit 1 of thyroid hormone replacement medications.
5. Use of medications or supplements that may influence carbohydrate metabolism within 30 days of Visit 1.
6. Extreme dietary habits (e.g., ketogenic, very high protein, very high fiber, vegan, vegetarian) at the discretion of the Clinical Investigator.
7. Weight loss or gain \>4.5 kg in the 60 days prior to Visit 1.
8. Currently, or planning to be, on a weight loss regimen during the study.
9. Use of weight loss medication within 90 days of Visit 1.
10. History of gastrointestinal surgery for weight reducing purposes.
11. History of an eating disorder (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating) diagnosed by a health professional.
12. Known allergy or sensitivity to any ingredients or potential allergens contained in the study beverages.
13. History or presence of cancer in the prior 2 years, except for non-melanoma skin cancer.
14. History of any major trauma or major surgical event within 60 days of Visit 1.
15. Blood donation \>450 mL within 60 days of Visit 2 or plans to donate blood or plasma during the study period.
16. Female who is pregnant, planning to be pregnant during the study period, lactating, or is of childbearing potential with unstable use (initiation or change in dose) within 30 days of Visit 1) of sex hormones for contraception.
17. Recent history of (within 12 months of screening; Visit 1) or strong potential for alcohol or substance abuse. Alcohol abuse is defined as \>14 drinks per week (1 drink = 12 oz beer, 5 oz wine, or 1½ oz distilled spirits).
18. Exposed to any non-registered drug product within 30 days prior to Visit 1.
19. Any condition the Clinical Investigator believes would interfere with the participant's ability to provide informed consent or comply with the study protocol, which might confound the interpretation of the study results or put the person at undue risk.

Where this trial is running

Addison, Illinois

• Biofortis Innovation Services — Addison, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Elizabeth Antoo, MD — Biofortis Innovation Services
• Study coordinator: Kristen S Smith, PhD, RD

Conditions Blood Glucose; Blood Insulin; fruit juice; blood glucose; metabolic health