Cranberry
(Vaccinium macrocarpon)

General Info

Active Forms

Absorption

Dietary Sources

Dosage Info

Dosage Range 300-400mg (standardized extract), 2 times a day. Most Common Dosage 300mg (standardized extract), 2 times a day. Dosage of cranberry juice in preventing and treating urinary tract infections (UTI) in individuals has ranged from 5-20oz administered daily (6oz juice = 90gm fresh fruit), with one study having results with 4-6oz of juice daily for 7 weeks.(1) An active UTI requires more juice than the prevention dose. Also, cranberry juice concentrate capsules are available and have been used in the management of UTI. One 300mg capsule twice daily, either 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after a meal, is recommended. Drink plenty of filtered or bottled water throughout the day. Most studies focus on using cranberry juice cocktail in treating UTI. However, cranberry juice cocktails contain added sugar and may be diluted by other juices. While cranberry juice cocktail is effective in reducing the frequency and severity of UTI, the use of 100% cranberry juice is recommended. Dosage Forms		Adult RDI Adult ODA

Overview

Interactions

Drug/Herb Interactions
•	Warfarin

Cranberry fruit juice is recommended by both grandmothers and health care professionals for individuals with urinary tract infections, with research supporting folk uses.(2, 3, 4, 5) Cranberry is a close relative of the American blueberry and European bilberry. It has been used for centuries in cooking and as a garnish.

In the United States, urinary tract infections (occurring with dysuria, frequency, and urgency) account for a significant number of the bacterial infections that are reported each year. Only strep throat accounts for more prescriptions written annually for infections in adults. By some estimates, more than 50 million cases of urinary tract infections (UTI) are treated annually. One of every five women in the U.S. will suffer from a UTI at some time in her life. The infection is usually caused by the bacteria E. coli (in more than 90 percent of the cases), with the bacteria adhering to the wall of the bladder and causing inflammation, pain, and fever. Although these infections are not usually life threatening or even a significant health risk for most individuals, there is increasing concern over bacterial resistance. One natural therapy, cranberry, has been reported to be clinically useful in treating and managing UTI.

Toxicities & Precautions

General
This dietary supplement is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines.

Health Conditions
Cranberry juice may contain varying amounts of oxalate, a common component of kidney stones. Use with caution in individuals prone to nephrolithiasis. Do not use in individuals currently with nephrolithiasis.(6)

Side Effects
Large doses of cranberry juice may cause mild diarrhea and gastric upset.(7)

Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding
If pregnant or nursing, consult a physician before use.

Age Limitations
Do not use in children under 2 years of age unless recommended by a physician.

Symptoms & Causes of Deficiency

Footnotes

¹ Gibson L, Pike L, et al. Effectiveness of Cranberry Juice in Preventing Urinary Tract Infections in Long-term Care Facility Patients. J Naturopathic Med. 1991;2:45-47.
² Leaver RB. Cranberry Juice. Prof Nurse. 1996;11(8):525-26.
³ Nazarko L. Infection Control. The Therapeutic Uses of Cranberry Juice. Nurs Stand. 1995;9(34):33-35.
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⁴ Lynch DM. Cranberry for prevention of urinary tract infections. Am Fam Physician. 2004 Dec 1;70(11):2175-7.
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⁵ Jepson RG. Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004;(2):CD001321.
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⁶ Terris MK, Issa MM, Tacker JR. Dietary supplementation with cranberry concentrate tablets may increase the risk of nephrolithiasis. Urology. Jan2001;57(1):26-9.
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⁷ Behrman: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 16th ed. W B Saunders Company; 2000:2304.

Cranberry(Vaccinium macrocarpon)

Cranberry
(Vaccinium macrocarpon)