Meta-analysis suggests cranberries reduce UTI occurrences
A meta-analysis and assessment of human clinical trials, published in The Journal of Urology, suggest that consuming cranberries helps reduce the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
A meta-analysis and assessment of human clinical trials, published in The Journal of Urology, suggest that consuming cranberries helps reduce the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs). A total of 28 studies showing results from nearly 5,000 patients were considered and researchers found a statistically significant risk reduction in repeat UTIs overall.
“Our investigation supports that cranberry products can be a powerful tool to fight off frequent UTIs,” said lead author Ângelo Luís, Universidade da Beira Interior in Portugal. “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 review explains that the medicinal properties of cranberries may be attributed to their unique polyphenol, proanthocyanidins (PACs). 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.