Cranberries contain special compounds called proanthocyanidins that help keep certain bacteria—especially E. coli—from sticking to the bladder wall. This makes them helpful for preventing urinary tract infections, but not for treating an infection once it has started.
In one double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 263 children who had previously been treated for UTIs were given either cranberry juice or a placebo daily for six months. Only 16% of children in the cranberry group had another infection, compared to 22% in the placebo group. The cranberry group also needed fewer antibiotics [1]. A recent review cited a total number of studies to 50 with 8857 participants. These data support the use of cranberry products to reduce the risk of symptomatic, culture‐verified UTIs in women with recurrent UTIs, in children, and in people susceptible to UTIs following interventions.
More recent reviews show similar results: cranberry products, especially those rich in these active compounds, can reduce the recurrence of urinary tract infections in both children and adult women.
Educational only — not medical advice. Always see a doctor for symptoms of a urinary infection.
