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Compound

Cranberry (PAC-A)

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Cranberry (PAC-A). Type-A proanthocyanidins prevent E. coli adhesion to bladder epithelium.

How it works. PAC-A blocks P-fimbriae adhesion to urothelium.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Reduces recurrent UTI ~30% in women (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 36 mg PAC-A/d.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with A high-quality multivitamin, Omega-3 (EPA/DHA).

Common forms. Available as Capsule or softgel, Powder, Sublingual or buccal, Liposomal liquid.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Cranberry (PAC-A). Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Cranberry (PAC-A). Type-A proanthocyanidins prevent E. coli adhesion to bladder epithelium.

Key compound: procyanidin A2C30H24O12 · 576.5 g/mol

What it is

Type-A proanthocyanidins prevent E. coli adhesion to bladder epithelium.

Food sources

Endogenously produced or biosynthesized moleculeStandardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplementCombined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity

Goals

Bladder HealthInfection Support

How it works

PAC-A blocks P-fimbriae adhesion to urothelium.

Pathways

  • PAC-A blocks P-fimbriae adhesion to urothelium

Effects

  • ↓recurrent UTI ~30% in women decreases

What the research supports

Reduces recurrent UTI ~30% in womenmoderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
36 mg PAC-A/d
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodOptional
Best formMost evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
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Side effects & interactions

Medication interactions

Warfarinmoderate

Possible INR rise (mixed evidence).

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • A high-quality multivitaminCovers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.

Common forms

  • Capsule or softgel
  • Powder
  • Sublingual or buccal
  • Liposomal liquid

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

Cranberry products for prevention of UTI ↗
Meta-analysis · Cochrane Database · 2023

Reduced UTI recurrence in susceptible populations.

PubMed: Cranberry (PAC-A) — Reduces recurrent UTI ~30% in women ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Cranberry (PAC-A) and "Reduces recurrent UTI ~30% in women". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Cranberry (PAC-A) — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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

Discussion

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