Does cranberry juice really help prevent Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)?
Yes, according to a recent review of 10 studies using cranberry juice or tablets to prevent UTI’s. By making the bladder wall more ‘slippery’ to bacteria, the review concluded that cranberry products significantly reduced recurrent UTI’s (3 or more UTI/yr) in women. There is no good evidence for UTI prevention in men, children or women without recurrent UTI’s. While there is no standardization of cranberry products, recommended doses are: 100ml of cranberry cocktail, 30 cc of unsweetened 100% cranberry juice or frozen concentrate, or 1-2 capsules of 400mg cranberry extract twice daily. Use of cranberry products in not recommended for women on warfarin or with a history of kidney stones, otherwise it is felt to be safe. In conclusion, while cranberry products appear to be safe and effective in women to prevent recurrent UTI’s, it is not a substitute for antibiotics and should not be used to treat an infection.
