Cranberry capsules do not reduce urinary tract infections in older women, study finds

Taking cranberry capsules did not reduce urinary tract infections (UTIs) in older women living in nursing homes, a US randomised trial has shown.1

UTIs are very common among nursing home residents: bacteriuria is detected in 25-50% of women living in nursing homes, and pyuria is present in 90% of these. Cranberry products have been of interest in preventing UTIs in this group of people, to reduce unnecessary use of antibiotics. Proanthocyanidins, the active ingredient, can stop Escherichia coli—the main bacteria type that causes UTIs …