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The Effect of Cranberry Consumption on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

1 April 2026

Bahreyni LZ, Amini MR, Sheikhi L, Taheri E, Rahimi P, Samarin MM, Sheikhhossein F, Etesamnia S, Lohrasbi N, Hekmatdoost A.

Summary

What the study found

This meta-analysis of 12 clinical trials investigated whether regular cranberry intake helps lower blood pressure. Overall, researchers found that consuming cranberries did not lead to a statistically significant reduction in either systolic or diastolic blood pressure across the combined study populations.

Key findings

  • The average decrease in blood pressure was only 1.31 mmHg for both systolic and diastolic readings, which failed to reach statistical significance.
  • Cranberries appeared more effective for systolic pressure when consumed specifically in juice form rather than as supplements or powders.
  • Beneficial trends were more pronounced in younger participants under age 50 and those maintaining a normal body mass index.
  • Significant improvements in systolic pressure were mostly seen in short-term studies lasting eight weeks or less, suggesting limited long-term impact.

Practical takeaways

While cranberries are rich in polyphenols and support urinary tract health, they should not be viewed as a reliable tool for managing hypertension. For longevity and heart health, focus on proven strategies like a low-sodium diet rather than relying on cranberry products to lower blood pressure.

Limitations

The analysis was limited by high heterogeneity among the trials, meaning the forms of cranberry and the health status of participants varied too much to draw a definitive universal conclusion.

Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>The aim of this paper, which includes a meta-analysis, is to elucidate the effects of cranberry consumption on systolic and diastolic blood pressure based on all relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs).<h4>Materials and methods</h4>A systematic literature search was performed across the ISI Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases, encompassing trials published until December 2024. Weighted mean differences (WMD) were calculated using random or fixed-effects models. Between-study heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochrane's test and the I² index. This study's registration number in PROSPERO is CRD420251028424.<h4>Results</h4>A total of 1204 publications were reviewed, leading to the inclusion of 12 trials for qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis. The pooled effect size indicated statistically nonsignificant reductions of 1.31 mmHg for systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p = 0.19) and 1.31 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p = 0.12). Stratified analysis showed that the reduction in SBP was statistically significant in studies where cranberry was provided in juice form, with a duration of 8 weeks or less, involving participants with a mean age of < 50 years, and predominantly in females. Furthermore, subgroup analysis indicated a significant reduction in DBP in studies that involved both genders, lasted more than 8 weeks, included participants with a normal body mass index, and had a mean age below 50 years.<h4>Conclusion</h4>This systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that cranberry consumption was not effective in managing SBP and DBP.
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