“A urologist has verified that cranberry juice can be beneficial in the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs).” UTIs occur when bacteria infect the urinary system, resulting in symptoms such as a burning sensation while urinating, frequent urination, and lower abdominal pain. The infection can also cause urine to have a foul odor, appear cloudy or milky, and may contain blood. Older individuals often experience more severe symptoms.
PAC in cranberries stops bacteria from attaching on to the urinary tract walls
The active component of cranberries, PAC, inhibits bacteria’s ability to attach to the urinary tract walls. It can be used in a variety of ways. It may act as a receptor analog to prevent p-fimbriated E.coli from adhering with urinary tract cells. This anti-adhesion effect does not depend on antibiotic resistance.
Studies have shown that high doses of cranberry-PAC are effective in reducing the risk of recurrent UTIs. In addition, these supplements may reduce the incidence of future infections. However, cranberry products containing high-doses of PAC are not recommended for everyone. Some may cause gastrointestinal issues or excess calories.
E. coli adhesins are inhibited by PAC in cranberries
Recent research has shown that E. coli uropathogenic strains can be inhibited by cranberry PACs. The results suggest that cranberry PACs inhibit the formation of double A-type linkages, which may be important in the anti-adhesion process. These findings are promising, but further investigation is needed to determine the biological significance of the findings.
Two hours after oral intake, bacteria detected the anti-adhesion properties of PAC in cranberries. However, this activity disappeared eight hours later. This means that cranberry products must be consumed twice daily to achieve a long-lasting, sustained anti-adhesion effect.
PAC in cranberries reduces uti disease morbidity
Recent studies have demonstrated that the PAC in cranberries can reduce the incidence of UTIs. Natural phenolic compounds such as cranberry extract and PAC, reduce the risk of infection by inhibiting the adhesion to bacteria in the uroepithelium. Its effectiveness as a UTI treatment should be confirmed by well-powered, randomised clinical trials. The studies should also report any harmful side effects associated with cranberry consumption. Standardization of outcome measures is important so that studies can be compared.
PAC in cranberries has a dose-dependent anti-adhesion activity and has been found to inhibit bacterial adhesion to epithelial cells. This effect is independent of antibiotic resistance, and it has been reported to decrease virulence in E. coli and P. aeruginosa in studies.
Ilana has been a vegan for over 10 years. She originally made the switch for health reasons, but soon found herself becoming more and more passionate about the ethical and environmental implications of a vegan lifestyle. Ilana is the author of The Graceful Kitchen, a blog all about veganism. She loves to cook up delicious and nutritious vegan meals, and share her recipes with others who are interested in leading a cruelty-free life. Ilana is also a strong advocate for using whole foods as the foundation of a healthy diet, and believes that going vegan is one of the best ways to achieve this.
