According to a comprehensive review of dozens of previous studies, the case for cranberries to be used as a protection against urinary tract infections (UTIs) is stronger than ever.
The new review, published in The Journal of Urology, analysed the results of 28 clinical trials involving nearly 5,000 patients. Overall, the authors found that the consumption of cranberry products (juices, capsules, tablets, or extracts) was associated with about a 32% reduced risk of repeat UTIs.
When the researchers looked closely at specific subgroups, they found that the benefits were particularly strong for people who had undergone gynaecological surgery—a risk factor for recurrent infections.
Cranberries contain a unique type of antioxidant called proanthocyanidins (PACs for short) that keep E. coli and other infection-causing bugs from sticking to the bladder walls, the authors explain in their paper. “If the bacteria are not able to adhere to cells, they cannot grow and cause infection,” they wrote.
The authors say their new paper, which includes more recent research and uses a newer analytical approach, paints a more complete picture of the overall body of evidence than other studies which looked to disprove cranberries affect on UTIs.
Source: health.com
