Symptomatic UTI risk lowered overall (RR 0.70) and in women with recurrent UTI (RR 0.74); no benefit in pregnancy, care-home residents or bladder-emptying problems
Williams 2023, Cochrane Database Syst Rev · Source
Cranberry
Vaccinium macrocarpon fruit extract
The most-studied plant for urinary tract health, with a 2023 Cochrane review of 50 trials behind it. Researchers credit its proanthocyanidins (PACs).
50trials in a 2023 Cochrane review
8,857people across those trials
PACsthe plant compounds researchers credit
Why we love it
Cranberry has the deepest body of human research of any botanical for the urinary tract. Researchers credit its proanthocyanidins (PACs), plant compounds that appear in urine after cranberry is eaten and are studied for how they affect bacteria sticking to the bladder wall.
What does the research show?
Women with recurrent UTIs
Across 8 trials with 1,555 women, those taking cranberry had about 26% lower risk of another symptomatic, lab-confirmed UTI.
Juice and capsules
In a 2016 trial of 373 women, a daily glass of cranberry juice drink was linked to 39% fewer clinical UTI episodes over 24 weeks. Other trials found no benefit, including one in 319 college women and one in 185 nursing home residents.
Dose
In a 2021 trial of 145 women, a higher PAC dose (37 mg a day) didn't significantly lower UTIs compared with a very low dose overall, but did in women who'd had fewer than five UTIs the year before.
Studies
Human study tested in people Lab study a starting point, not proof
39 vs 67 clinical UTI episodes over 24 weeks (rate ratio 0.61)
Maki 2016, Am J Clin Nutr · Source
Urine collected after cranberry reduced bacterial sticking in lab tests vs placebo
Howell 2010, BMC Infect Dis · Source
High vs low PAC dose: 24% fewer UTIs, not significant; significant in women with fewer than 5 UTIs a year
Babar 2021, BMC Urol · Source
Nursing home residents: no difference in bacteria plus white cells in urine (29.1% vs 29.0%)
Juthani-Mehta 2016, JAMA · Source
College women: repeat UTI 20.0% cranberry juice vs 14.0% placebo; no benefit
Barbosa-Cesnik 2011, Clin Infect Dis · Source
What do health authorities say?
The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says cranberry may lower the risk of repeat UTIs in women, and the FDA allows a qualified health claim for some cranberry products based on limited evidence.
Is cranberry safe to take?
Cranberry is studied for prevention, not for treating an active infection. If you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection, see a healthcare provider. If you take warfarin or another blood thinner, check with your clinician first, since the evidence on an interaction is mixed.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Last reviewed: November 2026.
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Reviewed by the Momotaro Apotheca medical team, including OB-GYNs and naturopathic doctors. Educational information, not medical advice. All ingredient research