Cranberry
Uses
Parts Used & Where Grown
Cranberry is a member of the same family as bilberry and blueberry. It is from North America and grows in bogs. The ripe fruit is used medicinally.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
3 Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2 Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1 Star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Why |
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2 Stars
High Cholesterol
500 mg three times per day after meals
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Some, but not all, clinical trials show cranberry extract may improve cholesterol profiles.
Cranberries are rich in flavonoid antioxidants that have demonstrated multiple beneficial effects. Randomized controlled trials have shown cranberry extract can increase HDL-cholesterol levels in people under 50 years old. In a placebo-controlled trial in 78 adults with overweight or obesity, taking 450 ml (about 15 ounces) of a high-polyphenol/low-calorie cranberry extract beverage daily increased HDL-cholesterol levels after eight weeks. In a placebo-controlled trial in 30 subjects being treated for type 2 diabetes, 500 mg of cranberry extract three times per day for 12 weeks lowered LDL-cholesterol levels as well as the ratio of total to HDL-cholesterol levels. On the other hand, in another placebo-controlled trial, 56 participants received either 480 ml (16 ounces) per day of a cranberry extract drink providing 173 mg of phenolic compounds or a low-phenolic cranberry drink; after eight weeks, those receiving the high-phenolic cranberry drink had reduced triglyceride levels but no changes in cholesterol levels occurred.
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2 Stars
Prostatitis
1,500 mg per day of dried cranberry powder for six months
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A preliminary study found that dried cranberry powder improved urinary symptoms in men with prostatitis.
In a preliminary study, treatment with 1,500 mg per day of dried cranberry powder for six months improved urinary symptoms in men with chronic nonbacterial prostatitis.
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2 Stars
Urinary Tract Infection
4 to 10 ounces (114 to 296 ml) of cranberry juice daily or 400 mg of powdered cranberry concentrate twice per day
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Supplementing with cranberry has been shown to help treat and prevent recurrences.
Modern research has suggested that may prevent urinary tract infections. In a double-blind trial, elderly women who drank 10 ounces (300 ml) of cranberry juice per day had a decrease in the amount of bacteria in their urine. In another study, elderly residents of a nursing home consumed either four ounces (120 ml) of cranberry juice or six capsules containing concentrated cranberry daily for 13 months. During that time, the number of UTIs decreased by 25%. A small preliminary trial found that supplementation with encapsulated cranberry concentrate (400 mg twice per day for three months) significantly reduced the recurrence of UTIs in women (aged 18 to 45) with a history of recurrent infections. Cranberry juice has also been found to be as effective as the antibiotic cefaclor for preventing UTIs in children who had recurrent UTIs because of a condition that causes urine to flow backwards from the bladder into the ureters (vesicoureteral reflux). In that study, the children received a cranberry juice concentrate that was equivalent to 200 ml of cranberry juice per day. Research has suggested cranberry may be effective against UTIs because it prevents E. coli, the bacteria that causes most urinary tract infections, from attaching to the walls of the bladder. Cranberry is not, however, a substitute for antibiotics in the treatment of acute UTIs. Moreover, in children whose UTIs are due to “neurogenic bladder” (a condition caused by spinal cord injury or myelomeningocele), cranberry juice supplementation did not reduce the rate of infection. Drinking 10–16 ounces (300–500 ml) of unsweetened or lightly sweetened cranberry juice is recommended by many doctors for prevention, and as part of the treatment of UTIs. Alternatively, 400 mg of concentrated cranberry extracts twice per day can be used. |
Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)
In traditional North American herbalism, cranberry has been used to prevent kidney stones and “bladder gravel” as well as to remove toxins from the blood. Cranberry has long been recommended by herbalists as well as doctors to help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
How It Works
How It Works
In test tube studies, cranberry prevents E. coli, the most common bacterial cause of UTIs, from adhering to the cells lining the wall of the bladder. This anti-adherence action is thought to reduce the ability of the bacteria to cause a UTI.1, 2 The proanthocyanidins in the berry have exhibited this anti-adherence action.3 Cranberry has been shown to reduce bacteria levels in the urinary bladders of older women significantly better than placebo, an action that may help to prevent UTIs.4 A small double-blind trial with younger women ages 18–45 years with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections, found that daily treatment with an encapsulated cranberry concentrate (400 mg twice per day) for three months significantly reduced the recurrence of urinary tract infections compared to women taking a placebo.5 Other preliminary trials in humans suggest cranberry may help people with urostomies and enterocystoplasties to keep their urine clear of mucus buildup and possibly reduce the risk of UTIs.6 However, one trial found that cranberry did not reduce the risk of UTIs in children with neurogenic bladder disease (a condition that does not allow for proper flow of urine from the bladder) who were receiving daily catheterization.7
How to Use It
One capsule of concentrated cranberry juice extract (400 mg) can be taken two times per day.8 Several 16-ounce (500 ml) glasses of high-quality unsweetened cranberry juice from concentrate each day approximate the effect of the cranberry extract. Cranberry tincture, 1/2–1 teaspoon (3–5 ml) three times per day, can also be taken.
Interactions
Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds
Interactions with Medicines
Certain medicines interact with this supplement.
Replenish Depleted Nutrients
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none
Reduce Side Effects
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Omeprazole
People taking omeprazole may increase absorption of dietary vitamin B12 by drinking cranberry (Vaccinium marocarpon) juice or other acidic liquids with vitamin B12-containing foods.
Support Medicine
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Lansoprazole
Omeprazole was shown to reduce protein-bound vitamin B12 absorption and cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) juice was shown to increase protein-bound vitamin B12 absorption in eight people treated with omeprazole (a drug closely related to lansoprazole). While this effect has not been studied with lansoprazole, people taking lansoprazole may choose to drink cranberry juice or other acidic liquids with vitamin B12-containing foods. Unlike vitamin B12 found in food, vitamin B12 found in supplements is not bound to peptides (pieces of protein). The absorption of B12 supplements therefore does not require acid and is unlikely to be improved by drinking cranberry juice.
Reduces Effectiveness
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none
Potential Negative Interaction
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Warfarin
There have been at least five case reports suggesting that cranberry juice increases the activity of warfarin, possibly by inhibiting the breakdown of warfarin in the body. Because of this potential interaction, people taking warfarin should avoid, or limit the intake of, cranberry juice. The U.K. Medicines Authority has advised people taking warfarin to avoid cranberry juice.
Explanation Required
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none
Side Effects
Side Effects
Cranberry concentrate has not been reported to cause side effects and has no known contraindications to use during pregnancy and breast-feeding. According to one report, supplementation with an unspecified number of cranberry tablets for seven days increased the urinary excretion of oxalate by 43%, suggesting that long term use of cranberry supplements might increase the risk of developing a kidney stone.9 On the other hand, in the same study, urinary excretion of magnesium and potassium (which are inhibitors of stone formation) also increased. Until more is known, individuals with a personal or family history of calcium-oxalate kidney stones should consult a doctor before using cranberry supplements for long periods of time (e.g., more than a week). Cranberry should not be used as a substitute for antibiotics during an acute urinary tract infection, except under medical supervision.
References
1. Sobota AE. Inhibition of bacterial adherence by cranberry juice: Potential use for the treatment of urinary tract infections. J Urol 1984;131:1013-6.
2. Zafriri D, Ofek I, Adar R, et al. Inhibitory activity of cranberry juice on adherence of type 1 and type P fimbriated Escherichia coli to eucaryotic cells. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1989;33:92-8.
3. Howell AB, Vorsa N, Der Maderosian A. Inhibition of the adherence of P-fimbriated Escherichia coli to uroepithelial—all surfaces by proanthocyanidin extracts from cranberries. New Engl J Med 1998;339:1005-6.
4. Avorn J, Monane M, Gurwitz JH, et al. Reduction of bacteriuria and pyuria after ingestion of cranberry juice. JAMA 1994;271:751-4.
5. Walker EB, Barney DP, Mickelsen JN, et al. Cranberry concentrate: UTI prophylaxis. J Family Pract 1997;45:167-8 [letter].
6. Leaver RB. Cranberry juice. Prof Nurse 1996;11:525-6 [review].
7. Schlager TA, Anderson S, Trudell J, Hendley JO. Effect of cranberry juice on bacteriuria in children with neurogenic bladder receiving intermittent catheterization. J Pediatr 1999;135:698-702.
8. Brown DJ. Herbal Prescriptions for Better Health. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1996, 57-61.
9. Terris MK, Issa MM, Tacker JR. Dietary supplementation with cranberry concentrate tablets may increase the risk of nephrolithiasis. Urology 2001;57:26-9.
Last Review: 06-05-2015
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.
