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Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections
R G Jepson1, L Mihaljevic, J Craig
1Department of General Practice, Edinburgh University, 20 West Richmond Street, Edinburgh, UK, EH8 9DX.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|April 24, 2004
Summary
Cranberry products may reduce symptomatic urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women over 12 months. However, effectiveness in other populations and optimal dosage remain unclear, with high dropout rates noted.
Area of Science:
- Evidence-based medicine
- Natural product research
- Urology
Background:
- Cranberries have a long history of use for preventing and treating urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- This review critically assesses the scientific evidence for cranberry product efficacy in UTI prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of cranberry juice and other cranberry formulations in preventing UTIs.
- Focus on susceptible populations, including women, children, and the elderly.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials.
- Searched multiple databases and contacted manufacturers for relevant studies.
- Included trials of men, women, and children, assessing UTI incidence, side effects, and adherence.
Main Results:
- Two high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showed cranberry products significantly reduced symptomatic UTIs in women over 12 months.
- No significant difference was found between cranberry juice and cranberry capsules.
- Five trials were excluded from meta-analysis due to methodological limitations; side effects and high dropout rates were reported in several studies.
Conclusions:
- Limited evidence suggests cranberry juice may decrease symptomatic UTIs in women over a year.
- Efficacy in children and elderly individuals is uncertain.
- Long-term acceptability and optimal cranberry dosage/administration methods require further investigation through well-designed trials.