Cranberry tablets and pills

Reviewed by Dr Jonah Mink, April 21'40 sec read

Will cranberry pills help a UTI (urinary tract infection)?

Even though there are mixed views about using this method to ease your symptoms, there seem to be preventive benefits to using cranberry tablets and pills.

Just like cranberry juice, this oral form of cranberry extract contains compounds known as proanthocyanidins. 

These compounds supposedly stop E.coli bacteria from adhering to the lining of your urethra and bladder. If these bacteria are unable to stick to this tissue, they are unable to multiply and cause an infection.

The recommended dosage for cranberry pills is 36 milligrams of proanthocyanidins every day for two months. This can significantly reduce the frequency of UTIs in women.

If you already have a UTI, you might be wondering “Can I take cranberry pills with antibiotics?”

Some studies have shown that cranberry pills can affect the way the body absorbs and metabolises the antibiotics that are used to treat UTIs.

Cranberry tablets can also have side effects. Taking too many can cause stomach upset or diarrhoea. 

Therefore, it’s best to consult your GP or healthcare provider before you proceed.

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