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evidence · mechanism · dose
Supplements/Herb

Cranberry

aka Vaccinium macrocarpon · PAC

Berry with PACs that inhibit E. coli adhesion to urothelium for UTI prevention.

Women's HealthKidney HealthImmune Function

Overview

Berry with PACs that inhibit E. coli adhesion to urothelium for UTI prevention.

Natural sources
  • Vaccinium macrocarpon
Common forms
  • Standardized PAC capsule
  • Juice (unsweetened)

Mechanism of action

A-type proanthocyanidins prevent fimbrial adhesion of E. coli.

Pathways
  • · Bacterial anti-adhesion

Effects on the body

Decreases
UTI recurrence

Organ system effects

Kidneys

Reduces recurrent UTI.

Evidence-based benefits

Reduces recurrent UTI in women

Moderate evidence

Potential side effects

Common
  • · GI upset
Rare
    Serious
    • · Kidney stones (high oxalate)

    Drug interactions

    Warfarin
    May increase INR.
    moderate

    Safety & non-supplemental interactions

    Educational summary — always confirm with your clinician or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or combining with prescription therapy.

    Avoid if you are
    • ·Pregnant or breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
    • ·Children under 18 (unless directed by a clinician)
    Avoid with these conditions
    • ·Autoimmune disease (theoretical immune activation)
    Avoid / monitor with these medications
    • ·Immunosuppressants

    Supplement interactions

    Pairs well with

    None listed.

    Avoid combining with

    No specific avoidances listed.

    Dosing & bioavailability

    Typical dose
    36 mg PAC standardized, daily

    Where to buy

    Affiliate-style search links to reputable retailers. We don't endorse specific brands — verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

    Herb
    Cranberry
    Amazon
    Wide selection · fast shipping
    Herb
    Cranberry
    iHerb
    Global delivery · curated brands
    Herb
    Cranberry
    Thorne
    Practitioner-grade · NSF tested

    Scientific evidence (8)

    Meta-analysisCochrane Database · 2023

    Cranberry products for prevention of UTI

    Jepson RG, et al.

    Updated Cochrane review of cranberry in UTI prevention.

    Key findings

    Reduced UTI risk in women with recurrent UTIs and children.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Cranberry — Reduces recurrent UTI in women

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Cranberry Reduces recurrent UTI in women" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Cranberry and "Reduces recurrent UTI in women". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Cranberry — randomized controlled trial

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Cranberry randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Cranberry and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Cranberry — meta-analysis

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Cranberry meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Cranberry and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Cranberry — pharmacokinetics

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Cranberry pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Cranberry and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Cranberry — safety adverse events

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Cranberry safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Cranberry and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Cranberry — dose response

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Cranberry dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Cranberry and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

    Google Scholar: Cranberry — clinical evidence

    Live Scholar search

    Cross-database citation index for Cranberry as it relates to "clinical evidence".

    Key findings

    Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

    Open study
    Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.