Urinary tract infections are painful, common disorders that affect as many as one in five women at least once during their lifetime, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders reports. Many women experience recurrent UTIs throughout their lifetime and may benefit from taking cranberry supplements as a preventative measure. Talk with your doctor before starting this supplement, as side effects can occur.
Method of Infection
Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria enter the bladder, usually via the urethra, the tube that leads to the bladder. Because women have a shorter urethra than men, they develop more urinary tract infections. In women, the urethra and rectum are also in closer proximity, which increases the chance of accidental bacterial contamination of the urethra. The bacterium that most commonly causes urinary tract infection, E. coli, inhabits the intestinal tract, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders states.
Purpose
At one time, it was thought that cranberry juice or supplements interfered with urinary tract infections by keeping the urine acidic, so bacteria wouldn't grow well. It's now thought that cranberry prevents bacteria from sticking to the interior bladder walls. Even if bacteria do find their way into the bladder, they can't "set up camp" and multiply, because they can't attach to the walls.
Study Results
Several studies have shown benefit from taking cranberry supplements to prevent urinary tract infection, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. An April 2007 study reported in "Phytomedicine" looked at the benefit of supplements in women with recurrent infections who had at least six infections within the past year. The women took 200mg of cranberry extract twice a day for 12 weeks, lead author D. Bailey of Helios Integrated Medicine states. All 12 women in the study remained completely free of UTIs over the 12-week period. After two years, the eight women still taking cranberry remained free from UTI.
Considerations
Cranberry supplements have shown benefit only as a preventative for urinary tract infection rather than as a treatment for an ongoing infection, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states. Do not take cranberry to treat an infection. Cranberry can also increase the risk of excessive bleeding in people who take warfarin, an anticoagulant, or aspirin. If you have liver problems, discuss the benefits and risks of this supplement with your medical practitioner before starting it. In large amounts, cranberry supplements can cause stomach upset or diarrhea.
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