Cranberries Offer Natural Protection against Urinary Tract Infections

Acute bacterial urinary tract infection is a common infection seen more often in women than in men. Statistics show that women are more likely to develop UTI's and will experience repeated occurrences of them during their lifetime.

Information from the National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) shows a prevalence of 13.3 percent (12.8 million) in women during the past 12 months; and 2.3 percent in men (2 million). About 3 percent of American children develop UTI's every year. The most common type of infection across age groups and gender is with the bacteria, Escherichia coli, better known as E. coli. 1

Cranberries have been used to combat urinary tract infections for hundreds of years. Modern science has only recently been able to validate the anti-bacterial benefits of cranberries that may prove useful in the prevention of UTI's. The first study on cranberries was conducted in 1984, which suggested that bio-active components in cranberries may actually prevent bacteria from adhering to the lining of the urinary tract. It was not until 1998, however, that a study published by the Journal of Urology and led by Dr. Amy Howell, provided the first visual observation of a change in the structure of E coli bacteria when cranberry juice was consumed. Scientists observed a change in the shape of E. coli from rods to spheres altering their cell membrane which made it difficult for them to attach to cells in the lining of the urinary tract. Components in cranberry juice called proanthocyanidins (PACs) prevented the hair-like formations called frimbiae that E coli use to latch on to the walls of the urinary tract from growing. PACs are also found in green tea, chocolate, blueberries, grapes and apples, but only the PACs found in cranberries exhibit an ability to neutralize harmful bacteria. 2

Later studies reported that the anti-adhesion properties of cranberry's PACs last up to 10 hours after consumption. Two eight-ounce glasses a day at a regular interval may serve as a round-the-clock anti-bacterial aid in the urinary tract to help prevent bacterial adhesion and growth. 3

Cranberry Juice and Urinary Tract Infections

Recent studies published in Food, Science and Biotechnology, suggest that cranberry juice may be more effective than cranberry powder in preventing urinary tract infections. Researchers at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), Massachusetts, concluded from their study that cranberry juice was better at preventing UTI's than isolated PACs found in cranberry powders. The WPI study showed that bio-film formation (a phenomenon that occurs as more and more E. coli fimbriae attach themselves to the lining the urinary tract) was more prevalent with consumption of cranberry powder than with cranberry juice. Cranberry juice effectively prevented the formation of bio-film while powders containing isolated PACs of cranberry showed limited ability to moderate bio-film formation even after extended exposure to E. coli. 4

Commenting on the WPI research, Dr. Amy Howell stated that WPI findings were misleading as their study focused on bio-film formation rather than bacterial adhesion. According to Dr. Howell, bio-film formation is not a pathogenesis of urinary tract infections. She further stated that "no conclusions can be drawn from this study that are scientifically valid."

Natural Approach for Protection against Urinary Tract Infections

In light of convincing research studies showing how cranberry PACs promote urinary tract health, countries like France have approved health claims for products containing American cranberries (Vaccinium Macrocarpon) with a PAC content of at least 36 mg. Claims may state that PACs "help reduce the adhesion of certain E. coli bacteria to the urinary tract walls." This is extremely good news for the majority of women who have suffered or will suffer from sort of UTI during their lifetime. Traditional urinary tract infection treatments include heavy doses of a wide range of antibiotics, known to have side effects. Antibiotics cannot reduce the risk of repeated urinary tract infections so patients may need to take prolonged doses with each repeated occurrence.

Market Potential for Cranberry Supplements

The North American cranberry, Vaccinium Macrocarpon, has the richest antioxidant value per gram, according to a study conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture which measured the antioxidant capacity of 100 common foods. 5 This lucrative, natural source of antioxidant potency will continue to drive the market potential for cranberry supplements.

Supported by independent scientific research for its health benefits cranberry supplements introduce a highly nutritive proposition for consumers. Cranberry supplements provide a viable means to reduce dependence on traditional urinary tract infection treatments such as antibiotics, by reducing the risk of initial infection. Because of their anti-bacterial properties, cranberry PACs have shown potential benefits for dental health as well. 6

Frost & Sullivan's U.S. Market for Nutritional Solutions in Women's Health (October 2011) research analyzes the U.S. market for nutritional solutions for women in 2010. The report lists cranberry extracts amongst several strong contenders in the growing market for ingredients addressing women's health issues. 7

Start Manufacturing Your Own Line Of Cranberry Supplements!

Supplement companies and marketers who have not yet considered adding cranberry supplements to their product lineup may want to consider contract manufacturing high-quality, PAC-potent, cranberry supplements as a daily advantage for health protection to your customers.

Find out how you can present cranberry's unique health-promoting properties to your customers, providing them with this essential, natural approach to urinary healthcare. Call (800) 494-6154 to speak to one of our knowledgeable product advisors or submit your request to receive a free quote from us in 48 hours or less.

References:

1. National Kidney and Urological Diseases, Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC), National Institutes of Health, (Updated August 19, 2011) http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/kustats/#urologic

2. Cranberry Health Research Summary, The Cranberry Institute, http://www.cranberryinstitute.org/news/PR/PR022001.htm

3. Ibid.

4. More Power to the Cranberry: Study Shows the Juice is Better than Extracts at Fighting Bacterial Infections, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Massachusetts. http://www.wpi.edu/news/20112/more-power-cranberry.html

5. Lipophilic and Hydrophilic Antioxidant Capacities of Common Foods in the United States, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 52, 4026-4037 (2004).

6. Cranberry polyphenols: potential benefits for dental caries and periodontal Disease, J Can Dent Assoc. 2010;76:a130. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20943032

7. U.S. Market for Nutritional Solutions in Women's Health, October 24, 2011, Frost & Sullivan. http://www.frost.com/prod/servlet/report-toc.pag?repid=N936-01-00-00-00