The sports nutrition market is undergoing rapid growth as consumers increasingly seek products that enhance endurance, recovery, and overall performance.
Functional ingredients such as adaptogens, protein, and creatine are increasingly finding their way into products and gaining popularity among athletes and recreational fitness enthusiasts thanks to their role in promoting physical resilience and maximizing muscle recovery post-workout.
There is also growing consumer demand for scientifically backed solutions and ingredients that are supported by targeted health claims. In addition, aligning with wider consumer awareness of health and wellness, the drive toward clean-label products containing natural, allergen-free, plant-based ingredients, and supply chain transparency continues.
As sports nutrition consumers increasingly seek science-backed ingredients with scientifically proven health claims, there is pressure on manufacturers and formulators to clean up labels and for brands actively to address ethical and sustainable practices with more natural and targeted solutions.
Rich in natural polyphenols
Cranberries are gaining recognition in the sports nutrition space thanks to their high antioxidant content and natural anti-inflammatory properties. As such, they are emerging as a viable ingredient for brands whose customers seek a natural solution to reduce oxidative stress and enhance overall performance with products that align with their natural values.
Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins (PACs) and are rich in antioxidants that may reduce inflammation and support the immune system. While the fruit is well known to support urinary tract health, the health benefits of cranberries are wider reaching.
Cranberries are among the fruit with the highest polyphenol content in the American diet, making them one of the most significant dietary sources. These polyphenols may help support muscle recovery by neutralizing free radicals and reducing exercise-induced muscle damage.
Free radical production builds up during intense exercise, leading to oxidative stress which can have negative consequences to cells, tissues and muscles. Protecting against free radical damage with antioxidants, for example polyphenols from cranberries, can help lessen muscle fatigue, improve recovery and enhance endurance – all desirable outcomes for sports nutrition consumers.
“Type A PAC (proanthocyanidins) are a specific type of flavonoid found in cranberries,” says Raquel Zorilla, Senior Food Scientist at Fruit d’Or.
“They are known for their strong antioxidant properties which help neutralize free radicals in the body. This could help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are beneficial for overall health and athletic performance.”
Cranberries also align with the growing consumer trend for natural and clean label products, making them an appealing functional ingredient in the sports nutrition market. Thanks to their plant-based source of antioxidants and natural polyphenols, they are a recognizable ingredient that is free from artificial ingredients, while promoting performance and overall health.
A polyphenol-rich cranberry powder
Studies have highlighted the potential benefits of cranberries, particularly regarding their polyphenol content. A 2024 study in healthy adults, aged between 18-40 years old who exercised three or more times per week, aimed to investigate how polyphenols can protect against exercise-induced free radical production, and the effects of a polyphenol-rich cranberry powder on muscle oxidative capacity and oxygenation metrics.¹
Cran d’Or™ TotalPAC cranberry powder was provided by Fruit d’Or for its significant polyphenol content due to the high concentration of rare A-type PACs in cranberries, a main contributor to its effects.
The study consisted of three separate visits which included baseline muscle oxidative capacity, testing after a singular dose of cranberry powder and testing after 28 days of supplementation.
To measure muscle oxidative capacity, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to compute the recovery kinetics of muscle oxygenation following a 15-20 second contraction of the vastus lateralis (on the lateral side of the thigh).
Results showed that 28 days of cranberry powder supplementation had a direct effect on increasing muscle oxidative capacity, an effect which could lead to improved muscle function in healthy active adults.
“This research provides targeted evidence that cranberry supplements may specifically enhance muscle oxidative capacity. This is a more direct link to muscle recovery, as improved oxidative capacity can help muscles recover more efficiently after exercise,” says Fruit d’Or’s Zorrilla.
The results also showed that cranberry supplementation can support mitochondrial health. Mitochondria play a key role in oxidative metabolism and their capacity is associated with muscle function. Therefore, improving mitochondrial health can help endurance, recovery, and performance as healthy mitochondria can improve recovery speed by regenerating energy supplies.
Organic cranberry supplementation
Fruit d’Or is a supplier of pure nutraceutical ingredients for the functional food, supplement and cosmetics industries. Fruit d’Or developed Cran d’Or TotalPAC, a premium full-spectrum cranberry powder, to maintain the natural benefits of cranberries while ensuring a standardized content of proanthocyanidins (PACs).
This 100% organic, clean label powder guarantees a minimum 7.2% soluble and insoluble PAC content. The production process is fully integrated, ensuring quality from field to final product. The berries for Cran d’Or TotalPAC are grown and cultivated by Fruit d’Or in the cold climates of Canada and processed without any additives, preservatives, or GMOs to maintain their bioactive properties.
Cran d’Or TotalPAC is a versatile ingredient that can be used in dietary supplements as a nutritional ingredient across a range of applications including capsules and gummies.
Beyond its role in oxidative metabolism and muscle recovery, Cran d’Or TotalPAC could be linked to additional health benefits. Some studies suggest that PAC content may supports urinary tract health and contributes to balanced microbiota due to its prebiotic-like effects. Studies also suggest that PAC may maintain oral health by demonstrating antimicrobial activity against bacteria associated with periodontitis and dental caries
As research continues to explore the benefits of cranberries, incorporating Cran d’Or TotalPAC as an ingredient into formulations offers a convenient way for consumers to add PACs in their daily diet.
References
- Parenteau, F.; et al. A polyphenol-rich cranberry supplement improves muscle oxidative capacity in healthy adults. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2024 Aug 1;49(8):1047-1054.
