Cranberry juice and urinary tract infections

Abstract

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) represent a common and quite costly medical problem, primarily for several at risk populations. Cranberry antibacterial effects have widely been studied in vitro, and laboratory and clinical studies have also been performed to elucidate the mechanisms of cranberry actions and the clinical benefits of cranberry consumption against UTIs. Although cranberry consumption may prevent bacterial adherence to uroepithelial cells, which reduces the development of UTI and decreases UTI related symptoms by suppressing inflammatory cascades as an immunologic response to bacteria invasion, the existing clinical trials do not support its efficacy and its use. The cranberry juice should not be further recommended as medical intervention to prevent UTIs.