People have used Vaccinium macrocarpon, more commonly known as cranberry, for both food and medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. The fruit is rich in antioxidants, substances that neutralize free radicals in the body that can damage cell membranes and lead to disease, as explained by the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. Cranberry may reduce cholesterol levels, and it also can prevent urinary tract infections. The UMMC cautions that cranberry is not as effective at treating existing UTIs, which should be treated with conventional antibiotics. Aside from cranberries and cranberry juice, you can buy cranberry supplements in tablet and capsule form, and as an extract, tincture or tea. Side effects are uncommon.
Kidney Stones
Cranberry contains high amounts of oxalate. The UMMC recommends that people with a history of oxalate kidney stones consult a doctor before taking cranberry supplements because cranberry consumption could result in the development of oxalate kidney stones. Signs of kidney stones include blood in the urine, pain when urinating and pain in the back or lower abdomen.
Increased Bleeding
Taking cranberry supplements while also taking medications with blood-thinning properties such as warfarin--known as the brand Coumadin--may increase bleeding, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, or NIH. The combination may increase the time it takes blood to clot.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Gastrointestinal side effects are associated with high doses of cranberry, according to the NIH. These effects may include bitter taste, upset stomach, nausea and diarrhea. Gastrointestinal effects tend to be mild and uncommon, according to Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
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