We are thrilled to welcome Maya Waintraub to our FSHN Research Journeys series, which follows graduate students’ research in the Food Science and Human Nutrition program at The University of Florida. Maya is a food science master’s degree student, and her research into polyphenols in cranberry juice has the potential to transform stress mitigation strategies and increase cognitive longevity.

Maya: Little red gems reign supreme in the world of polyphenols—can you guess what they are? Bursting with antioxidants and promising health benefits, cranberries might be the key ingredient in enhancing focus, cognition, and longevity.

Polyphenols take center stage in discussions about the intricacies and complexities of the human brain and its incredible functions. Researchers have studied polyphenols for their stress-reducing potential, antioxidant properties, and ability to enhance neurotransmitter production. Given that cranberries are rich in polyphenols, they might be considered the new “mental well-being booster.”

In this article, I delve into a fascinating research question: can the consumption of cranberry juice enhance cognitive functions, boost motor accuracy during multitasking, and potentially alleviate the negative mental and physiological consequences of intensive multitasking in healthy adults? This research has the potential to uncover promising pathways to improve our brain health and mood, all while combating the effects of chronic stress.¹

Clinical Research into the Gut-Brain Connection

Extensive research has illuminated the fascinating gut-brain connection, a phenomenon that has led some scientists to dub the stomach the “second brain” due to our diet’s profound influence on our emotional and mental well-being. This influence arises from the gut’s remarkable ability to synthesize neurotransmitters crucial to brain function. The gut synthesizes over 50% of the body’s dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is crucial for mood and cognitive function.²

The gut-brain axis, which links these two vital organs, is an intricate communication pathway where signals travel between the gut and the brain, influencing mood, cognition, and overall mental health. Understanding this connection is crucial in unraveling the potential of cranberry juice in enhancing brain function.

Tackling a Significant Research Gap in Polyphenols and Brain Function

While the effects of polyphenols from various sources have been studied on neurochemical production, stress reduction, mood enhancement, and cognition, the relationship between cranberry polyphenols and brain function remains understudied.³ This gap in research led me to question how cranberries, rich in polyphenols, fit into this intricate puzzle of the gut-brain axis. Our research will explore whether cranberry-based polyphenolic supplements can boost mental clarity and longevity in brain health.

This study could provide insight into improving the mental and physical well-being of a significant portion of the population. The most recent data shows that nearly half of all Americans report frequently experiencing stress.⁵ Prolonged stress and, more specifically, high cortisol levels have been associated with severe long-term health conditions, including cardiovascular problems, immune system suppression, and mental health disorders.⁴

Exploring the potential of cranberry polyphenols to mitigate cortisol levels has the potential to significantly enhance the overall health and quality of life for countless individuals experiencing elevated stress levels.

Fueling my Passion Through Work in Product Development

My academic journey began at Illinois State University, where I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Food Nutrition and Dietetics, and a minor in Business Administration. My passion for leveraging my expertise in nutritional sciences to delve deeper into the dynamic realm of food science motivated me to apply to the prestigious program at the University of Florida. Today, I am proud to be a master’s degree student in Food Science and Human Nutrition at UF.

My interest in this type of research was sparked during my time as a product development scientist intern at Edible Chemistry Consulting, where I developed various wellness supplements with varied active ingredient components. This interest grew further when I studied the gut-brain connection. I was fascinated by food’s profound ability to influence overall well-being. The significant impact of the gut on mental alertness and overall health, along with the potential for food to enhance these qualities, has fueled my passion for this research project. This type of research is essential for companies to support their marketing claims.

I am grateful to perform this clinical trial under the mentorship of Dr. Liwei Gu at the University of Florida. The facilities and faculty are exceptional, and my cohort consists of bright, wonderful people and incredible mentors.

The Cranberry Study: A Cognitive Breakthrough Waiting to be Discovered

This groundbreaking research sponsored by Ocean Spray is a double-blind, randomized controlled study involving 126 participants exploring the impact of cranberry juice on cognitive function. The study consists of three phases, each contributing to our understanding of this potential breakthrough.

• Phase 1: In the initial 20-day “run-in” phase, participants exclude polyphenol-rich foods from their diets, such as dark chocolate, blueberries, green tea, herbal extracts, and fish oil, to ensure the study’s integrity. This preparation phase allows us to work with a controlled baseline before juice consumption begins.
• Phase 2: Participants will undergo physiological and mental assessments, including physiological stress, mood, anxiety, and cognitive function measurements. They will go home with a 70-day placebo or cranberry juice supply. The double-blind design ensures that neither researchers nor participants know which juice is being consumed.
• Phase 3: After the 70-day juice consumption period, participants return to the lab for a repeat of the same physiological and mental assessments. However, these assessments are randomized for each participant at each visit to ensure they do not encounter the same words or questions, minimizing the learning effect. This final phase allows us to evaluate how cranberry juice impacts the collected data and relevant biomarkers.

We aim to gain insight into the potential of cranberry juice polyphenolic compounds to alleviate stress, improve memory, and enhance motor accuracy in this age group. By conducting this study, we hope to significantly address the alarming stress levels and mental health challenges faced by individuals, as well as prevent the physical detriments of high cortisol levels over a lifetime.⁶

Addressing Potential Challenges and Looking to the Future

Our research plan faces several challenges. First, we must tackle difficulties with recruitment, especially among the busy 30-55 age group. Offering compensation is essential to ensure a diverse and engaged participant pool. Another challenge involves inducing stress and conducting multitasking tests to measure cognitive health while monitoring physiological responses like heart rate and galvanic skin response. These demanding mental multitasking tests require extensive training and precise categorization of participants for accurate statistical analyses.

With these challenges comes the potential to reap massive benefits in gaining insight into the power of these polyphenol-rich red gems. This project has the potential to uncover promising pathways to improve our brain health and combat the detrimental effects of chronic stress.

Maya Waintraub is a master’s degree student at the University of Florida, specializing in Food Science and Human Nutrition. She completed her undergraduate degree in Food Nutrition and Dietetics and Business Administration at Illinois State University. Currently, Maya actively contributes as a Research Assistant under the guidance of Dr. Gu. She also serves as the Liaison on the Graduate Student Board for the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department.

In her free time, you will find her enjoying music, cooking, reading, taking long walks with her puppy Aqua, visiting the beach, and cheering for the Gators! Maya extends her gratitude to her advisor, Dr. Gu, for the opportunity to be a part of the incredible Florida Gator community and contribute to ongoing scientific research in Food Science and Human Nutrition.

References

1. Baba, Y., Inagaki, S., Nakagawa, S., Kaneko, T., Kobayashi, M., & Takihara, T. (2021). Effects of l-Theanine on Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Subjects: A Randomized https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33751906/
2. Chen, Y., Xu, J., & Chen, Y. (2021). Regulation of Neurotransmitters by the Gut Microbiota and Effects on Cognition in Neurological Disorders. *Nutriments, 13*(6), 2099. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8234057/
3. Marino, M., Del Bo’, C., Martini, D., Porrini, M., & Riso, P. (2020). A Review of Registered Clinical Trials on Dietary (Poly)Phenols: Past Efforts and Possible Future Directions. Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 9(11), 1606. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7694232/
4. Carpenter, S. (2012, September 1). That gut feeling. *Monitor on Psychology, 43*(8). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/09/gut-feeling
5. (2024, January 4). Americans are sleeping less and feeling more stressed. Gallup. https://news.gallup.com/poll/642704/americans-sleeping-less-stressed.aspx
6. Evans, T. S., Berkman, N., Brown, C., et al. (2016, May). (Technical Briefs, No. 25). Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (U.S.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK368427/

Looking for more posts exploring graduate research projects in the FSHN Department at the University of Florida?

Dive into the Research Journeys of other graduate students below.

M.S. Food Science
M.S. Nutritional Sciences
Ph.D. Food Science
Ph.D. Nutritional Sciences

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