Can Cranberries Contribute to Reduce the Incidence of Urinary Tract Infections?
TAKE-HOME MESSAGE
* Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common and result in considerable morbidity. While the ingestion of cranberry products has long been promoted to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, the effect of cranberry products on risk reduction remains controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the relationship between cranberry intake and reduction in the risk of urinary tract infection. Investigators found that the ingestion of cranberry products significantly reduced the risk of urinary tract infections, and this effect was particularly pronounced among individuals with recurrent infections.
* While cranberry products appear to significantly reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, there remain key unanswered questions surrounding the optimal “dose” of cranberry necessary to achieve the desired effect in individual populations.
Supplements to Prevent Urinary Tract Infections
Cranberry
Previous meta-analyses on the benefits of cranberry for prevention of urinary tract infection have been equivocal. This one adds a significant amount of research extending the data set from 10 to 28 clinical trials. The results support cranberry with a weighted risk ratio of 0.6750 (95% CI, 0.5516–0.7965; P < .0001), a 33% reduction in frequency of urinary tract infection.
The active ingredient of cranberry is proanthocyanidin (PAC). These phenols inhibit the binding of E. colito the bladder wall. It is important to realize that these work specifically on E. coli and recurring UTIs from other bacteria may not be prevented with cranberry. Unlike antibiotics, PACs have other health benefits that may reduce cardiovascular and diabetes risk.1,2
D-Mannose
Another promising supplement for preventing Urinary tract infection is D-mannose. Although it is less researched than cranberry, there are some promising data. One study compared nitrofurantoin to 2 g of D-mannose in 200 mL of water for 6 months.3 D-mannose equaled the antibiotic in its ability to prevent urinary tract infections. It fools bacteria to bind to its surface instead of the bladder wall, and then cleans the urine as the sugar is cleared with urination. High doses can cause GI upset, but it does not appear to worsen blood sugar control in diabetes.
At Botanica Medica our Naturopaths are well aware of the importance of a good diet and the effect it can have on your life both physically and mentally. They come across lots of interesting studies like this one and are always updating their knowledge. If you would like to make an appointment with one of our Naturopaths call Botanica Medica on 8271-1827 today. They are only to happy to share the knowledge they have gained through their studies and patient outcomes, and get you feeling better. Botanica Medica is located at 97 Glen Osmond Road, Eastwood and appointments are available Monday to Saturday including some after hours.
Published in Primary Care and
1 other channel
Journal Scan / Research · August 23, 2017
Written byDavid Rakel MD, FAAFP and Matthew Resnick, MD
The Journal of Urology
Recent Comments