Cranberries and cranberry juice have been used to treat urinary tract infections and have been shown to be quite effective in several clinical studies.^(1,6-9) It must be pointed out, however, that most cranberry juices on the market contain one-third cranberry juice mixed with water and sugar. Since sugar has such a detrimental effect on the immune system, use of sweetened cranberry juice cannot be recommended.^(1,9)

Cran-Caps contain cranberry juice concentrate with no added sugar or artificial sweeteners.

In one study, 16 ounces of cranberry juice per day was shown to produce beneficial effects in 73 per cent of the subjects (44 females and 16 males) with active urinary tract infections. Furthermore, withdrawal of the cranberry juice in the people who benefitted, resulted in recurrence of bladder infection in 61 per cent.^(1,6)

Many people believe the action of cranberry juice is due to acidifying the urine and the antibacterial effects of a cranberry component hippuric acid.^(1,3,4)

In addition, recent studies have shown components in cranberry juice to reduce the ability of bacteria to adhere, or stick, to the lining of the bladder and urethra.^(1,5) Others believe this to be the most likely explanation of cranberry juice's positive effects in bladder infections.

In order for bacteria to infect, they must first adhere to the mucosa. By interfering with adherence, cranberry juice greatly reduces the likelihood of infection and helps the body fight off infection.⁽¹⁾

Few patients are willing to drink a full pint of straight cranberry juice daily. The cranberry cocktail drinks are more palatable, but much less potent and the benefits may be canceled out by the added sugar in these drinks.

Cran-Caps give patients the benefits of cranberry juice in easy to swallow capsules, without added sugar or artificial sweeteners.

Bladder infections in women are surprisingly common. Twenty-one per cent of all women have urinary tract discomfort at least once a year and 37.5 per cent of women with no history of urinary tract infection will have one within 10 years. Two to four per cent of apparently healthy women have elevated levels of bacteria in their urine, indicative of an unrecognized urinary tract infection.^(1,2)

Recurrent bladder infections can be a significant problem for some women since 55 per cent will eventually involve the kidneys. Recurrent kidney infection can cause progressive damage resulting in scarring and, for some, kidney failure.⁽¹⁾

Urinary tract infections in males are much less common and, in general, indicate an anatomical abnormality or a prostate infection.⁽¹⁾

In addition to the discomfort of bladder and urinary tract infections, these recurrent infections, followed by repeated antibiotic treatment, can lead to secondary yeast infection.

This cycle can usher in an overgrowth of candida albicans and thus contribute to what we call the yeast syndrome, which is even more difficult to treat. Emphasis, therefore, should be placed on prevention rather than treatment of recurrent infections.

Urine, as it is secreted by the kidneys, is sterile until it reaches the urethra which transports the urine from the bladder to the urethral opening. Bacteria can reach the urinary tract by ascending from the urethra or, much less commonly, through the bloodstream. Bacteria are introduced into the urethra from fecal contamination or, in women, vaginal secretions. Important factors in aiding or perpetrating an ascending infection are anatomical or functional obstructions to flow (allowing pooling of urine) and immune system dysfunction. Free flow, large urine volume, complete emptying of the bladder and optimal immune function are important antibacterial defenses.⁽¹⁾

The body has many defenses against bacterial growth in the urinary tract.

• Urine tends to wash away bacteria.
• The surface of the bladder has antimicrobial properties.
• The alkaline pH of the urine inhibits the growth of many bacteria.
• The prostatic fluid has antimicrobial substances.
• The body quickly secretes white cells to control the bacteria.⁽¹⁾

There are also a number of factors associated with increased risk of bladder infections:

• Pregnancy (twice as frequent).
• Sexual intercourse (celibate women have 1/10 the incidence) of bladder infections.
• Homosexual activity in males.
• Mechanical trauma or irritation.
• Structural abnormalities of the urinary tract which block the free flow of urine.

Reflux of infected urine from the bladder into the upper urinary tract is important in the development of kidney infections and the establishment of recurrent infections.⁽¹⁾

General measures for preventing and treating urinary tract problems include:

• Plenty of fluids, especially purified water, to increase the flow of urine which flushes bacteria away.
• Urinate after intercourse. Women who develop bladder infections after intercourse should pay particular attention to hygiene both before and after intercourse.⁽¹⁾

Simple sugars and refined carbohydrates should be avoided. Supplementation with antimicrobial herbs plus nutritional support for the immune system is recommended:

Cran-Caps #498 3 capsules 3 times daily

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WARNING:   This publication and the product contained herein have not been approved or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This publication, and the product contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The product relates to nutritional support only.

1. Murray, M. and Pizzorno, J., "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine", Prima Publishing, Rocklin, CA, 1991, pp. 255-9.

2. Branch, W.T., "Office Practice of Medicine", W.B. Saunders, Philadelphia, PA, 1982. pp. 679-85, 488-504.

3. Kahn, D., Panariello, V., Saeli, J., et al., "Effect of Cranberry Juice on Urine", J. Am. Diet. Assoc. 1967, 51, p. 251.

4. Bodel, P., Cotran, R., Kass, E. "Cranberry Juice and the Antibacterial Action of Hippuric Acid", J. Lab. Clin. Med., 1959, 54, p. 881.

5. Sobota, A., "Inhibition of Bacterial Adherence by Cranberry Juice: Potential Use for the Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections, J. Urology, 1984, 131, pp. 1013-16.

6. Prodromos, P., Brusch, C, Ceresia, G., Cranberry Juice in the Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections", Southwest Med., 1968, 47, p. 17.

7. Sternlieb, P., "Cranberry Juice in Renal Disease", New Engl. J. Med., 1963, 268 p. 57.

8. Moen, D., "Observations on the Effectiveness of Cranberry Juice in Urinary Infections", Wisconsin Med., J., 1962, 61, p. 282.

9. Sanchez, A., Reeser, J., Lau, H., et al., "Role of Sugars in Human Neutrophilic Phagocytosis", Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 1973, 26, pp. 1, 180-4.

10. Sharma, V., Sethi, M., Kumar, A, Rarotra, J., "Antibacterial Property of Allium Sativum Linn.: in vivo and in vitro studies", Ind. J. Exp. Biol., 1977, 15, pp. 466-80.

Product No. 498 Fill Size: 60

One Softgel Capsules Contain: % Daily Value
Cranberry Juice Concentrate 420  mg. *
Vitamin C 100 mg.
Vit. E   3 IU

* Daily Value not established.
Contains no sugar or artificial sweeteners.

Recommended Usage: During infection - 3 capsules three times daily.
Maintenance - 1 capsule 3 times daily.