Cranberries for Preventing Urinary Tract Infections
Williams G, Stothart CI, Hahn D, Stephens JH, Craig JC, Hodson EM
Published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Methodology
Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis of 50 randomised trials (8857 participants) comparing cranberry products with placebo, no treatment or other interventions for UTI prevention.
Key Findings
Cranberry products reduced the risk of symptomatic, culture-verified UTI in women with recurrent UTIs (RR 0.74), in children (RR 0.46) and in people undergoing an intervention on the bladder, with no clear benefit in older adults, pregnant women or those with bladder-emptying problems.
Conclusions
Cranberry products reduce recurrent UTI risk in specific susceptible groups but not in the general or elderly population.
Limitations
Heterogeneous products and dosing; many trials small and at risk of bias; optimal PAC dose undefined.
Supplements Studied
Cranberry products reduced the risk of symptomatic, culture-verified UTI in women with recurrent UTIs (RR 0.74) and in children (RR 0.46).
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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