Cranberry products have long been popular for their potential to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). A new comprehensive study analyzed the results of multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine the effectiveness of cranberries in preventing UTIs.The study published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2023, which included 50 RCTs involving 8,857 participants, found that cranberry contain proanthocyanidins (PACs) that hinder bacteria from adhering to bladder walls, such as juice, tablets, or capsules, can reduce the occurrence of UTIs in specific groups. Women with recurrent UTIs, children with UTIs, and individuals susceptible to UTIs following bladder interventions, such as bladder radiotherapy, experienced a decrease in UTIs when consuming cranberry products.
Kavita Devgan, a leading Dietitian, holistic health consultant and an eminent writer said, “According to the researchers the high level of compounds PACs in cranberries help lower the adhesion of certain bacteria to the urinary-tract walls. Without adhesion bacteria cannot infect the mucosal surface of the urinary tract, helping thus in fighting off infections. So basically, cranberry PACs don't kill the bacteria like an antibiotic, but rather interfere with the initial step in the infection process. This means that fewer antibiotics would ultimately be needed because these infections are prevented from occurring. Fewer antibiotics means less damage to good probiotic gut bacteria and reduced antibiotic resistance development.”