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Cranberry Juice May Prevent Bladder Infections In Kids

Posted: September 9, 2012

Cranberry juice may lower risk of bladder infections in kids

Cranberry juice, rich in several antibacterial properties, may be able to prevent bladder infections in children.

Doctors at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada published a study in the Journal of Urology that shows children who drank cranberry juice high in proanthocyanidins (PACs) have two-thirds fewer urinary tract infections.

While the study is encouraging, running to the store for cranberry juice today won’t likely help much. Reuters reports that grocery store cranberry juice may not have that high concentration of PAC levels, and the PAC levels are believed to be the key component in preventing bladder infections.

WFAA TV reported the study involved 40 children who had at least two urinary tract infections in the past year. They randomly assigned the kids to drink one of two juices made for the study: a cranberry juice rich in PACs or a “control”  juice containing no cranberry product. During the following year, children who drank the cranberry juice with high PACs had a UTI rate of 0.4 per child compared with 1.15 in the comparison group.

Ocean Spray provided both juices used in the study, but researchers made it clear their study was not an endorsement of any product.

The findings of this study should not be construed as an endorsement of any commercially available cranberry products,” they wrote. Dr. Kourosh Afshar was the lead researcher.

Some children with recurring bladder infections are put on preventative antibiotics, but antibiotics have side effects and long term use can lead to problems, so finding a drug-free way to reduce bladder infections is important.

Category: Health
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Posted: September 9, 2012
John Stegeman

By John Stegeman









Comments


One Archived Response to “ Cranberry Juice May Prevent Bladder Infections In Kids ”

  1. Alex Edwards
    Sep 9, 2012

    Cranberries are a gift from nature. And like all of nature's gifts, it is very good for the human body. Some US states and other countries market cranberry as one of the few superfruits (a fruit with numerous health benefits).

    Rich in phytochemicals – You probably heard the term on TV, but what does it do exactly? Phytochemicals do a lot of good stuff for the body. Cranberry juice is a good source of polyphenol antioxidants and phytochemicals, both of which are possible deterrents against cancer and disorders of the cardiovascular and immune systems. That's a lot of benefits coming from a small fruit.
    http://www.cleansemart.com/cranberry-vitamin-cranberry-supplement-uti-cranberry-supplement-cranberry-extract-capsules.html

    Prevents urinary tract infection – Preservatives in food and beverages, along with poor hygiene, contribute to the rise in UTI cases these days. Cleanse by drinking a glass of unsweetened cranberry juice. Cranberry's anti-adhesion properties—or the proanthocyanidins minerals found in the fruit—help rinse the body of urinary tract infections caused by E. coli bacteria.

    Reduces dental plaque – Unless you're drinking sweetened cranberry juice, this beverage has nothing but good news for the teeth and gums. Experts say cranberry juice inhibit the growth of mouth bacteria that causes plaque. So drink up. A healthy dose of cranberry juice ensures your teeth are fresh and clean all the time.

    Prevents formation of kidney stones – This is still under active medical research, but the presence of quinic acid have experts saying it is possible for cranberry juice to help prevent the development of kidney stones. It makes sense since cranberry rid the body of wastes and bacteria—anything that doesn't belong there.