Study: Cranberrys Secret to Preventing UTIs

WORCESTER, Mass.A new study conducted at Worcester Polytechnic Institute identified how the anti-adhesion mechanism in cranberry helps to prevent infections in the urinary tract.

The study found that cranberry juice worked by changing the thermodynamic properties of bacteria common in urinary tract infections. The increase in surface free energy implies cranberries also create an energy barrier that keeps the microorganisms away from cell walls, preventing them from adhering and causing infection.

This study follows previous research at Worcester Polytechnic Institute that investigated the unique A-linked proanthocyanidins (PACs) in cranberries and their effect on E. coli. The previous work found that PACs created a natural barrier and changed the shape of the bacteria to prevent them adhering to the body. By explaining how the anti-adhesion mechanism works, the new study takes this research a step further.

Two types of E. coli bacteria were studiedthose with and those without hair-like projections called P-fimbrae. Many of the most virulent bacteria are known to have P-fimbrae and it was on these types of bacteria that the effect of cranberry juice was seen. The study measured the change in the amount of energy bacteria need to attach themselves to cell walls. Even at low concentrations, cranberry juice increased the energy required, indicating a dramatic reduction in the likelihood of infection.

The cranberries had no effect, however, on the bacteria without P-fimbraea positive result as these are often the friendly bacteria that help promote good health.

Kristen Borsari, senior marketing manager for Ocean Sprays Ingredient Technology Group, said: With the influx of functional foods and nutraceuticals on the market, consumers are becoming more interested in the science behind the marketing promises. Decades of research make cranberry one of the most studied fruits around and this new investigation is further proof that the cranberrys unique properties may offer a practical method of preventing infections in the urinary tract. Showing how the anti-adhesion effect of cranberry actually works is a huge step forward. We hope it will encourage more research in other areas, such as oral and gut health, and make cranberry an even more attractive choice for the widening sphere of health-conscious consumers.