About Natural Factors Women's Probiotic Cranberry Formula

The Canadian company Natural Factors researches, formulates and produces nutritional supplements for all ages and genders. The manufacturer has its own organic farm where it grows the herbs that go into the making of some of its products. Women's Multi Probiotic with CranRich is one of its offerings.

Product Description

Women's Multi Probiotic with CranRich contains probiotics and cranberry concentrate. Probiotics are live "good" bacteria that help your body's systems to function properly. According to the Harvard School of Medicine's "Family Health Guide," probiotics are naturally present in fermented foods such as yogurt. In this nutritional supplement, the bacteria are freeze-dried to avoid the need for refrigeration. Each Women's Multi Probiotic with CranRich capsule contains 12 billion active bacteria cells. Pills are also filled with 250 g cranberry concentrate each. Cranberry keeps harmful bacteria from accumulating in the body, preventing infections, says Natural Factors on its website. The manufacturer does not say which bacteria cranberry flushes out, but it seems to imply that the fruit eliminates harmful bacteria.

Recommended Use

Natural Factors recommends Women's Multi Probiotic with CranRich for females of all ages, starting when they are in their teens, who want to prevent intestinal inflammation and urinary tract infections. In addition to supporting the woman's renal system, the supplement prevents vaginal infections. The company also suggests on its website that probiotics may stop these problems from recurring. Furthermore, Natural Factors claims that probiotics enhances your body's ability to absorb nutrients, minimizes the effects of lactose intolerance and helps to regulate the digestive system.

What Science Says

In her "Wall Street Journal" article published on Jan. 13, 2009, Laura Johannes explains that scientists do not fully understand how probiotics work to maintain and restore health. Some researchers believe people and good bacteria have shared a mutually beneficial relationship for a long time. As this relationship evolved, it led to the positive health effects being studied today. The research Johannes cites lists a number of benefits linked to probiotics supplementation. One study by the American College of Gastroenterology, for instance, found that a drink containing probiotics accelerated digestion by 10 hours. A 2005 report in the journal "Pediatrics" stated that infants who drank formula fortified with either Lactobacillus reuteri 55730 or Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 experienced less fever and diarrhea than babies who had plain formula. Not all probiotic studies are free of bias. At times, the companies that make products laced with good bacteria have funded the research. Regarding cranberry, MayoClinic.com states that more research on the benefits of cranberry juice and cranberry supplements is needed. The website also says that, based on studies available, cranberry may be helpful in the treatment of urinary tract infections in combination with antibiotics, but not by itself. Cranberry might prevent bladder infections, but the existing research does not say what the ideal dosage is for a prophylactic effect. The Mayo Clinic website agrees with Natural Factors that the fruit appears to prevent bacteria from accumulating in the bladder wall cells.

How to Take It

Always treat any medical condition only under a doctor's care. The dosage of Women's Multi Probiotic with CranRich is one capsule with a meal twice daily. If you are taking antibiotics, Natural Factors recommends taking the supplement two hours before or two hours after the medicine dose.