The Old Wives’ Tale That’s Really True!

It’s the old wives’ tale that has divided opinion for decades.

Cranberry juice may actually help stop urinary tract infections (UTIs), according to the largest review of evidence yet.

A global study looking at the benefits of cranberries found that cranberries — taken in juice or as a dietary supplement — reduced the risk of repeat UTIs in women by more than a quarter.

Children and people who were prone to infection after medical procedures had reduced the odds by 53 percent, according to the major review.

Researchers found they weren’t effective in older people, pregnant women, or people with bladder problems.

A global study looking at the benefits of cranberries found that cranberries — taken in juice or as a dietary supplement — reduced the risk of repeat UTIs in women by more than a quarter. Children and people who were prone to infection after medical procedures had reduced the odds by 53 percent, according to the big review

Experts believe this is due to their high concentration of the antioxidant proanthocyanidin, which prevents the most common UTI-causing bacteria – Escherichia coli (E.coli) – from sticking to the bladder wall.

Researchers from Flinders University, Australia, examined 50 recent studies involving nearly 9,000 participants in the latest review, published in Cochrane.

Professor Jonathan Craig of Flinders University said: “This is a review of the body of evidence and as new evidence emerges new insights may emerge.

“In this case, the new evidence shows a very positive finding that cranberry juice can prevent UTI in susceptible individuals.”

UTIs are common and can affect the urinary tract, bladder, and kidneys, with symptoms such as burning when urinating and an increased need to urinate.

They are often treated with a short course of antibiotics, although they are not always needed.

Researchers warned that the berries won’t cure an established UTI, so anyone who gets one must seek help from a family doctor or pharmacist.

dr Gabrielle Williams, who led the study, said: “UTIs are terrible and very common – around a third of women will be affected, as will many older people and also people with bladder problems due to spinal cord injuries or other conditions.

“As early as 1973, my mother was told to try cranberry juice to prevent her horrible and frequent UTIs and it was a lifesaver for her.

“Even though I whistled in her ear for evidence, she continued to take it daily, first as a gross sour juice and for the past few years as easy-to-swallow capsules. As soon as it stops, the symptoms are back.

“As usual, it turns out Mom was right! Cranberry products may help some women prevent UTIs.”