THE cranberry – or cranberry from its French name – is a small berry very rich in micronutrients, particularly in antioxidants. If it has been used empirically for centuries against urinary disorders, it was only from the end of the 20th century that it interested science because of its action on the adhesion of bacteria to the urinary walls. A real effect… under certain conditions.
What are the nutritional benefits and benefits of cranberries?
Fresh cranberry is a berry that combines a very low energy density and one high micronutrient density. Translation: for very few caloriesshe brings numerous vitamins, minerals, trace elements and especially antioxidants.
Note, however, that in France, the fresh cranberry exists, but remains uncommon and mainly available in the fall. Mostly imported from North America, it is more often consumed in the form of juice, dried fruit or supplements, formats that are easier to store and accessible all year round. Their flavonoid content remains interesting, but can vary depending on the form and processing.
Urinary infection: is cranberry effective against cystitis?
The cranberry arouses particular interest in preventing cystitisespecially in women who suffer from recurrences.
Its mechanism is based on its anti-infectious properties linked to specific compounds called type A proanthocyanidinswhich prevent the bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract. Deprived of this anchor point, bacteria are more easily eliminated naturally during urination.
“These type A proanthocyanidins are notably particularly effective on bacteria Escherichia coli which is most frequently responsible for urinary infections” adds our expert. This preventive effect of cranberry is recognized by health authoritiesin particular by the High Authority of Health (HAS).
The cranberry therefore does not no direct antibiotic effect since it does not treat an ongoing infection, but it can help reduce the risk of it happening again.
Cranberries are also rich in tannins and triterpenes, with anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, which help to calm pain and inflammation of the urinary tract. “Cranberry has therefore also demonstrated its effectiveness in management of acute cystitis without risk of complications », adds the specialist.
Prevention, dosage: when and how to take cranberry to prevent urinary infections?
For a real and effective effect on the prevention or treatment of cystitisyou must choose a food supplement titrated in proanthocyanidins type A (PAC-A on packaging) up to 36 mg at least per day. “It can be used as an accompaniment to the treatment of cystitis, at the same time as the antibiotics that remain necessary. Or alone after antibiotic treatment to avoid a recurrence,” indicates Dr. Martinat.
Drink, capsules, herbal tea, dried: in what form should you take cranberry?
For cranberry to be truly effective in the management and treatment of cystitis, it must be in the form ofstandardized extractswhich guarantee a contribution of at least 36 mg of proanthocyanidins per day.
THE cranberry infusions generally contain few active proanthocyanidins. These compounds are present in greater quantities in the skin of the fruit and are poorly extracted by simple infusion in water, especially when the pieces are whole or roughly dried. Furthermore, PACs are relatively large and poorly soluble molecules, which limits their passage into water. Result: an infusion provides mainly traces of polyphenols, but probably well below the effective dose of 36 mg per day used in clinical studies. Infusions can, however, contribute to hydration — which is already beneficial for the prevention of cystitis — but their specific effect linked to cranberry remains uncertain.
THE dried fruit powder is as for her richerbut its effectiveness depends on its actual concentration of active ingredientsit is therefore difficult to know whether the dose consumed is sufficient to have a real preventive effect.
In practice, only standardized extracts in the form of capsules, tablets, powder sachets or ampoules make it possible to guarantee a sufficient intake for a preventive effect.
Drink: which cranberry juice to choose for a urinary infection?
There are standardized cranberry juices, containing a sufficient quantity of proanthocyanidins to exert a preventive effect, but they remain rare and generally present themselves in the form of concentrated juices, liquid sticks or drinkable ampoules.
THE juices sold in supermarkets are too diluted and do not contain a sufficient concentration of active ingredients to have a real effect on cystitis. To achieve the necessary amount of PAC-2, it would generally be necessary to between 500 mL and 1 liter of drink per daywhich would lead to a very large amount of sugar.
Cranberry or antibiotic: what to choose in case of urinary infection?
Antibiotic treatment is necessary to treat acute cystitis, especially when the urinary infection is at risk of complications,
Cranberry cure: are there any contraindications to taking it every day?
The main contraindication to taking cranberry food supplements concerns people with a history of urinary stones based on calcium oxalates. ” THE Cranberry is naturally rich in oxalates and can acidify urine. Regular or heavy consumption can facilitate the formation of crystals in sensitive people,” explains the specialist.
Cranberry-based supplements are also not not recommended for pregnant women and children. “Not because it is contraindicated, but because a urinary infection in children or pregnant women is at risk of complications and requires medical advice,” emphasizes Dr. Martinat.