Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infections acquired during a hospital stay. A common cause of these infections are through the use of a urinary catheter which inoculate the bladder with bacteria.
The American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) has been widely studied in human clinical trials for the prevention of UTIs. In this study described below this is the first study to test if cranberries can prevent the chance of UTIs after a a patient had a urinary catheter placed during an elective surgery.
Cranberries are rich in nutrients. Each serving of cranberry provides 20% of the daily fiber, 24% of the daily value of Vitamin C, Vitamin E and other nutrients. Another major benefit are the antioxidant polyphenols, specifically, proanthocyanidins which are believed to be responsible for promoting a healthy urinary tract.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology reported on the results of cranberry for preventing UTIs in patients who had a urinary catheter during their hospital stay.
Scientists from the University of Michigan enrolled 160 women in their study to see if two capsules of cranberry powder taken twice daily could prevent UTIs. They were instructed to take the capsules with 8 oz of water with or without food.
Patients took the cranberry capsules over a 4-6 week period. The cranberry supplement used in this study was standardized to contain proanthocyanidins.
Here are the results of the study:
- 38% Patients (i.e. 30 of 80) not taking cranberry had a UTI
- 19% of patients (i.e. 15/80) taking cranberry had a UTI
- Cranberry was associated with a 50% decrease in UTIs in patients who had a catheter.
Several different mechanisms have been proposed for cranberries reducing the chance of developing a UTI. Possible mechanisms include: Diuretic (i.e. encourages more frequent urination) and preventing bacteria from sticking to the bladder).
Take away message: It is important to know that the cranberry powder used in this study was standardized to proanthocyanidins. A total of 4 capsules were taken with each capsule being 180 mg of cranberry powder standardized to 18 milligrams of proanthocyanidins. The reduction of UTIs by 50% with cranberry powder would be comparable to what is expected with a prescription antibiotic. Interestingly, this published research study led to a physician writing to the editor of the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology suggesting this is an approach that should be considered given the major problems associated with UTIs acquired during a hospital stay. This study provides evidence that cranberry could be beneficial in reducing the chance of developing a UTI with patients who have a urinary catheter during an elective surgery.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2015 August; Volume 213 (Issue 2): Page 194-201
His research on plant medicine has led to more than 45 publications and abstracts.This research has been presented at international meetings in the USA, France, Turkey, Peru, Israel, Austria, and Italy.
Categories: Antioxidant, Infection, Plant Medicine
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