Cranberry
(Supplements)
LearnAbout Cranberry Supplements (UTIs)
But remember, a healthy, balanced diet naturally meets your body’s nutritional needs.
What is a Cranberry Supplement?
Cranberry has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. It’s especially known for helping prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Cranberries contain chemical compounds, such as salicylic acid, that reduce the ability of bacteria to stick to the bladder walls, which lowers the risk of infection.
What Are the Sources of Cranberry Supplements?
People commonly use cranberries as food or as a flavoring in cooking. Cranberry supplements are available in various commercial forms, including fruit drinks, concentrated extracts in tablets or capsules, or as part of multivitamin formulas.
What Is the Recommended Intake for Cranberry Supplements?
Cranberries are typically consumed through juices, jellies, or sauces.
Researchers have studied cranberry juice, juice concentrates, and dried extracts in the context of urinary tract infections. However, the studies vary in dosage and regimen. Concentrated cranberry extract is available in tablet or capsule form. Studies on UTIs have used doses ranging from 600 mg to over 1200 mg per day, divided into smaller doses.
For UTI prevention after catheter use or during gynecological surgery, studies used 360 mg of cranberry extract(containing 36 mg of proanthocyanidins) twice daily for 6 weeks.:
Avoid giving cranberry supplements to children. Instead, offer cranberry juice, which is considered safe for them to drink.
What Are the Effects of Taking Too Much Cranberry Supplement?
- Cranberry supplements are safe for most adults and are commonly consumed in food. However, drinking large amounts of cranberry juice may cause:
- Mild stomach upset
- Diarrhea
- Kidney stones in some individuals
- Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ):
What precautions should I take before using cranberry supplements?
- Cranberry supplements are safe for most people, but consider the following:
- Side effects and interactions: Cranberry supplements can cause side effects or interact with certain medications or supplements. Always use them with caution and under healthcare supervision.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before taking any supplements, including cranberry. There’s not enough data on the safety of large doses during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so stick to moderate amounts found in food.
Kidney stones: Cranberries contain high levels of oxalates, which may increase the risk of kidney stones in some people. If you suffer from kidney stones, avoid cranberry supplements and consult your doctor for alternatives.
- Aspirin allergy: If you’re allergic to aspirin, you may also react to cranberry supplements, as they contain salicylic acid, a compound similar to aspirin.
- Diabetes: If you have diabetes, choose cranberry products sweetened with artificial sweeteners. Some cranberry supplements and juices contain added sugar, so check with your doctor before using them.
- What Are the Uses of Cranberry Supplements?
