From the Guidelines
Cranberry juice can help reduce the risk of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in certain populations, such as women with recurrent UTIs, children, and individuals susceptible to UTIs.
Key Points
- The evidence suggests that cranberry products, including juice, can reduce the risk of symptomatic, culture-verified UTIs in women with recurrent UTIs, children, and individuals susceptible to UTIs 1.
- Cranberry products containing proanthocyanidin levels of 36 mg can reduce the recurrent UTIs in women, children, and individuals susceptible to UTIs 1.
- However, the evidence for the use of cranberry products in older adults, those with bladder emptying problems, or pregnant women is insufficient to make a clear recommendation for or against use 1.
- Clinicians may offer cranberry prophylaxis for recurrent UTIs, as it has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of UTIs in certain populations 1.
Important Considerations
- The effectiveness of cranberry products in preventing UTIs may depend on the formulation and dosage used, as well as the individual's underlying health conditions 1.
- Cranberry products may not be effective in preventing UTIs in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) 1.
- As with any supplement, patients should be advised to discuss the use of cranberry products with their healthcare provider before starting treatment, especially if they have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications that may interact with cranberry products 1.
From the Research
Effectiveness of Cranberry Juice in Preventing UTIs
- Cranberry products have been used to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), particularly among women with recurrent UTIs 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The evidence suggests that cranberry products may reduce the risk of symptomatic UTIs, especially in women with recurrent UTIs, children, and people susceptible to UTIs following interventions 3, 4.
- A systematic review found that cranberry products significantly reduced the incidence of symptomatic UTIs in 12 months, particularly in women with recurrent UTIs 3.
- Another review found that cranberry products probably reduced the risk of symptomatic, culture-verified UTIs in women with recurrent UTIs, children, and people susceptible to UTIs following interventions 4.
Variability in Study Findings
- The effectiveness of cranberry products in preventing UTIs has been variable and modest at best, with some studies showing a small benefit and others showing no significant difference 2, 5, 6.
- The heterogeneity of clinical study designs and the lack of consensus regarding the dosage regimen and formulation to use have limited the recommendation of cranberry products for UTI prevention 5, 6.
- Some studies have reported high withdrawal rates and adverse events, such as gastrointestinal intolerance, weight gain, and drug-cranberry interactions, which may affect the acceptability and efficacy of cranberry products 5, 6.
Specific Populations
- Cranberry products may be effective in reducing the risk of UTIs in women with recurrent UTIs, children, and people susceptible to UTIs following interventions 3, 4.
- However, the evidence is less clear for other populations, such as elderly institutionalized men and women, pregnant women, and adults with neuromuscular bladder dysfunction 4, 5, 6.
- Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of cranberry products in these populations and to establish standardized dosage regimens and formulations 4, 5, 6.