Q: I have been drinking cranberry juice to help ward off a urinary tract infection. It has been suggested to me that cranberries themselves may be more effective. Do you know how many cranberries would provide the equivalent acidic protection of 5 to 6 ounces of cranberry juice? Also, cranberry juice may be an acquired taste but it certainly is palatable and even enjoyable. Is the same true for the berries?
A: Cranberry juice consumed over a 12-month period can reduce urinary tract infections in women who frequently experience them, but it isn't effective for men or women with urinary catheters. It's the proanthocyanidins, which are also antioxidants, found in cranberries that seem to prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder cells. The amount of cranberry juice needed to have an effect has not been determined. There is no evidence that plain cranberries would be more effective than juice. According to Ocean Spray, it would take about 1/4 cup of frozen cranberries, 1/3 cup of sweetened dried cranberries or 1/3 cup of cranberry sauce to make 8 ounces of juice.
Cranberry juice is not a substitute for antibiotics. If you have a urinary tract infection, see a doctor. Urinary tract infections are most often caused by E. coli found in the large bowel. Regarding taste, plain cranberries and unsweetened juice are quite tart and not to most people's taste. If you are concerned about the added sugar content in cranberry juice, try one with artificial sweeteners such as sucralose.
- Source: Joanne Larsen, dietitian, www.dietitian.com
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