Utis & Cranberry Supplements

Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are infections that affect your bladder, kidneys and, by some definitions, your prostate as well, according to the Merck Manual Home Edition. Children and adults alike may develop UTIs. A common bacteria involved in UTIs is Escherichia coli, and conventional treatment includes antibiotics. Cranberry, medically known as Vaccinium macrocarpon, is an evergreen bush native to Europe, Canada and the United States. Some people use its berries for medicinal purposes, especially for urinary tract infections. Talk to your doctor before taking cranberry supplements for your health condition.

UTI Prevention

Some evidence suggests that cranberry juice may reduce the number of urinary tract infections that develop during a one-year period, especially in women, who often have recurrent UTIs. In a report published in the Cochrane Reviews in 2008, R. G. Jepson and J. C. Craig review several research studies that evaluated the efficacy of cranberry supplements. The authors note that the studies do not clearly establish the optimal dosage and method of administration. Furthermore, many patients discontinued supplementation with cranberry during the studies. The Mayo Clinic rating is a B for cranberry capsules or juice in the prevention of UTIs, which means that there is solid scientific evidence for using supplementation with cranberry to prevent UTIs.

UTI Treatment

The scientific evidence for using cranberry supplements for treating UTIs is unclear. Rated a C by the Mayo Clinic, cranberry supplements have not yet been the subject of adequate well-designed studies that showing their effectiveness in treating urinary tract infections. Thus, you should not use cranberry capsules or juice for the treatment of UTIs.

How It Works

Two main hypotheses may explain how cranberry fights the bacteria that cause UTIs, explains Heather Boom, Ph.D., author of "50 Most Common Medicinal Herbs." One theory supports the fact that cranberry juice increases the acidity of your urine, reducing the risk of infection. A second and newer theory is currently more accepted: cranberries have so-called anti-adherence qualities, meaning that the active ingredients in cranberry prevent bacteria, especially E. coli, from attaching to the lining of your urinary tract.

Conclusion

Cranberry supplements are available in juice, extracts and capsules. Consult a qualified health care provider to find out the optimal dosage and route of administration of cranberry supplements that may help you. Keep in mind that cranberry supplements do not replace any conventional medications that you may currently be taking. In addition, cranberry supplements have not been approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat UTIs or any other health condition.