Although a common go-to remedy for urinary tract infections (UTIs), cranberry juice is not an effective treatment, according to new findings. The researchers found consuming cranberry juice to ease UTI symptoms is ineffective. Dr. Timothy Boone, vice dean of the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, said, “Cranberry juice, especially the juice concentrates you find at the grocery store, will not treat a UTI or bladder infection. It can offer more hydration and possibly wash bacteria from your body more effectively, but the active ingredient in cranberry is long gone by the time it reaches your bladder.”
Three million Americans suffer from urinary tract infections annually. The key component found in cranberries is A-type proanthocyanidin (PAC) and is only effective against UTI-causing bacteria in capsule form – not juice form.
Boone added, “It takes an extremely large concentration of cranberry to prevent bacterial adhesion. This amount of concentration is not found in the juices we drink. There’s a possibility it was stronger back in our grandparents’ day, but definitely not in modern times.”
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One study did find that cranberry capsules are effective at reducing the risk of urinary tract infections, but in the study the capsule contained the equivalent of 16 ounces of cranberry juice, which means you need large quantities to benefit from the juice.
Emily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness. She is a registered Zumba instructor, as well as a Canfit Pro trainer, who teaches fitness classes on a weekly basis. Emily practices healthy habits in her own life as well as helps others with their own personal health goals. Emily joined Bel Marra Health as a health writer in 2013.
