Some people really have a hard time with urinary tract infections.  They get them over and over again. I fortunately am not one of those people, but I have had a few before.  I remember as a child my mom would go buy cranberry juice when there was even a mention of UTI.  So the question is, does cranberry juice really work or is it just a wives tale?

Image from Creative Commons. daveparker via compfight

There is no research (that I am aware of) that shows that cranberries can treat a UTI, but when it comes to preventing UTI’s – that is a different story.  I’ve read studies with conflicting results.  Some say that cranberry products can prevent recurrent UTI’s and others disagree.  When it comes to animals, cranberry has been effective in preventing UTIs.  Humans just aren’t quite as good test subjects.  I think the main problem with the conflicting research is the cranberry product.  Some have higher levels of cranberry, and some have added sugars depending if the product is a pill or juice.The latest study discussed on MedPage Today shows that taking a cranberry product, such as a capsule or tablet, is just as effective as taking low dose antibiotics for preventing UTIs in women and children.

A study published by Guay states the following, “However, in light of the heterogeneity of clinical study designs and the lack of consensus regarding the dosage regimen and formulation to use, cranberry products cannot be recommended for the prophylaxis of recurrent UTIs at this time.”

So where does this leave cranberries and UTIs?  There simply is not enough consistent research yet (even though there is a lot out there), but I don’t see the harm in taking a cranberry supplement if you or your child get regular UTIs.  Make sure you check with your doctor or pediatrician before starting a supplement.  Drinking cranberry juice daily is a lot of extra sugar in your diet that can lead to excess weight gain. So I would be hesistant to drink cranberry juice to prevent UTI’s when the research doesn’t support it.