Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) are a rich source of phenolic phytochemicals, which
likely contribute to their putative health benefits. A single-dose pharmacokinetic trial was
conducted in 10 healthy adults ≥50 y to evaluate the acute (24-h) absorption and excretion of
flavonoids, phenolic acids and proanthocyanidins (PACs) from a low-calorie cranberry juice
cocktail (54% juice). Inter-individual variability was observed in the Cmax and Tmax of many of
these compounds in both plasma and urine. The sum total concentration of phenolics detected in
plasma reached a peak of 34.2 µg/ml between 8-10 h, while in urine this peak was 269.8 µg/mg
creatinine, and appeared 2-4 h earlier. The presence of PAC-A2 dimers in human urine has not
previously been reported. After cranberry juice consumption, plasma total antioxidant capacity
assessed using ORAC and TAP assays correlated with individual metabolites. Our results show
phenolic compounds in cranberry juice are bioavailable and exert antioxidant actions in healthy
older adults.