Cranberry Supplements and UTI's

In a recent study, researchers conducted a clinical trial to evaluate the affects of cranberry capsule supplementation on UTI risk in residents of long-term care facilities. Nine-hundred and twenty-eight long-term care facility residents with an average age of 84 years-old were included. The participants were randomly assigned to receive a cranberry or placebo capsule twice daily for 12 months. The incidence of UTI, defined either clinically or strictly, was used as the main outcome measure.

Of the study participants, 412 of the residents were at low risk for UTI, while 516 were at high risk. The researchers found that the high risk participants receiving cranberry supplements had a significantly lower risk of developing a clinically defined UTI than those receiving placebo. The incidence of clinically defined UTI was 26% lower for high risk participants taking cranberry when compared to placebo. These effects were lacking when applying the strict UTI definition, and for those at low risk of UTI.

It would be a very good idea for more studies to be done across the age spectrum.  No matter what the age of the patient, all of the women who have had UTI symptoms have benefited from drinking plain cranberry juice, although one needs to be careful to use a straw because of the possibility of causing acid erosion of the enamel on the teeth.

For those who fight frequent UTIs, this is an indication of an acid/base imbalance in the blood, resulting in an imbalance in the urological system.  This is a more serious problem that should be addressed, etiologically, not simply symptomatically.



Caljouw MAA, Van den Hout WB, Putter H, et al. Effectiveness of Cranberry Capsules to Prevent Urinary Tract Infections in Vulnerable Older Persons: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial in Long-Term Care Facilities. J Am Geriatr Soc 62:103-110, 2014.

Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
fixdhealthcare.com