Doctors advised to recommend cranberry products as first line of defense against lingering UTIs

22 Sep 2017 --- A review of dozens of studies has led scientists to advise doctors to recommend cranberry products as the first line of defense against repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs).

The comprehensive meta-analysis and assessment of human clinical trials, published in the official journal of the American Urological Association, The Journal of Urology, assures practitioners and their patients that cranberry products are a low cost, low risk and effective way to help prevent recurrent UTIs.

“Our investigation supports that cranberry products can be a powerful tool to fight off frequent UTIs,” explains lead author Dr. Ângelo Luís. “While recommendations for dosage and duration of treatment require further study, the efficacy of the medicinal properties of cranberry products has been well-established.”

The news of the review’s findings come at a good time for health claims involving cranberries’ role in fighting UTIs. Just months ago, Fruit d’Or Nutraceuticals received approval for a UTI claim in Canada for its organic cranberry juice powder. Health Canada’s Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate concluded that the company’s Cran Naturelle organic cranberry juice powder is now registered with a Natural Product Number claim for the support of a healthy urinary tract.

Several studies reviewed
To answer the question, “Can Cranberries Contribute to Reduce the Incidence of Urinary Tract Infections?” a total of 28 studies showing results from nearly 5,000 patients were considered. Authors found a statistically significant risk reduction in repeat UTIs overall, but not significant for any particular subgroup. However, patients with recurrent UTIs who ingested cranberry products and had undergone gynecological surgery experienced a significant reduction in UTIs.

The review explains that the medicinal properties of cranberries may be attributed to their unique polyphenol, proanthocyanidins – or PACs, for short. Their ability to keep infection-causing bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls may be the major reason for their effectiveness in limiting infection growth and recurrence.

According to the authors, scientists and practitioners continue to explore the use of alternative therapies in the prevention of common infections as part of the global movement to reduce antibiotic use and resistance. It is estimated that one-third of women in the United States will get a UTI by the age of 24, according to the 2000 study Urinary tract infection: self-reported incidence and associated costs.

“Findings like this,” adds Dr. Luis, “give practitioners a viable, inexpensive, non-antibiotic option to help patients reduce the recurrence of an uncomfortable and potentially debilitating infection.”

“As one of the oldest alternative therapies and US-born berries, independent research such as this not only provides public health benefits, it revitalizes the enthusiasm for cranberry products year-round. The industry appreciates the efforts of these researchers and takes pride in the healthy attributes that cranberry products provide to consumers around the world,” comments Terry Humfeld, Executive Director of The Cranberry Institute, a non-profit research and education-focused organization.