Cranberry Bests Probiotics in Preventing UTIs

Cranberry Bests Probiotics in Preventing UTIs

OULU, Finland--In a study published in the June 20 BritishMedical Journal (322:1571, 2001) (www.bmj.com),researchers found that a combination of cranberry and lingonberry juiceprevented urinary tract infections (UTIs) more effectively than a probioticdrink. In an open, randomized study following 150 women suffering from UTIs,researchers compared a control group to patients who were given either 50 ml/dof cranberry-lingonberry juice concentrate for six months or 100 ml ofLactobacillus GG five days a week for one year.

Researchers, led by Tero Kontiokari from the University of Oulu, thenmeasured for midstream urine infection during a six-month follow-up. It wasfound that eight patients (16 percent) in the cranberry group, 19 patients (39percent) in the probiotic group and 18 patients (36 percent) in the controlgroup had experienced at least one recurrence of a UTI.

Even though the cranberry group statistically outperformed the probioticgroup, this does not mean people should stop drinking theirlactobacillus-supplemented milk or taking their lactobacillus tablets. "Probioticshave been shown to be better for the gastrointestinal tract," said VladimirBadmaev, M.D., Ph.D., vice president of medical and scientific affairs atPiscataway, N.J.-based Sabinsa Corp., a supplier of a range of raw materials,including probiotics. "But if you improve the digestive tract, it has adomino effect in restoring a person's homeostatic condition."

He also stated that cranberry juice is definitely formidable in preventingUTIs in peri- and post-menopausal women. However, if a woman is on antibiotics,a probiotic (which establishes the natural balance of a person's gut) is a goodchoice. "These two--cranberry juice and lactobacillus-arecomplementary," Badmaev stated. "Taking a probiotic could support theeffect of cranberry juice on UTIs."