Cranberry juice has been studied for its potential role in reducing recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), particularly because of compounds in cranberries that may interfere with bacteria attaching to the urinary tract.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases (February 2012; 54(3): 340–346) followed 263 children who had previously been treated for urinary tract infections. The children were assigned to receive either cranberry juice or a placebo daily for six months.
During the study period:
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16% of children in the cranberry juice group experienced at least one recurrent UTI, compared with 22% in the placebo group.
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The total number of UTI recurrences was 47 in the placebo group versus 27 in the cranberry group.
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Children in the cranberry juice group also required fewer courses of antibiotics overall.
These findings suggest that regular cranberry juice consumption may help reduce the recurrence of urinary tract infections in children. As with similar studies in adult women, the results are encouraging but do not prove prevention in all cases. Additional research is needed to better define which children may benefit most and how cranberry products fit into broader strategies for managing recurrent UTIs.
