Urinary tract infections are one of the most common types of bacterial infections, and recurring UTIs are especially common in older women. Recurrent UTIs are most often treated with antibiotics, and research has shown that a long-term treatment with a low dose of antibiotics is quite effective at preventing UTIs. Cranberry extract is another option for the prevention of UTIs. Recent research suggests that cranberry extracts are nearly as effective as antibiotics for the prevention of recurring UTIs, with fewer side effects.
The study involved 137 women over the age of 45 who had two or more antibiotic-treated UTIs in the previous 12 months. These women were given either 500 mg of cranberry extract or 100 mg of the antibiotic trimethoprim daily for six months.
Overall, 25 of 69 women receiving cranberry extract had a UTI during the treatment period, compared to 14 of 68 women in the antibiotic group. The median time to the first occurrence of infection did not differ significantly between groups, and there were a greater number of withdrawals from the antibiotic group than the cranberry group due to side-effects.
Overall, the researchers conclude that “Trimethoprim had a very limited advantage over cranberry extract in the prevention of recurrent UTIs in older women and had more adverse effects.” Antibiotics are associated with a wide range of potential side-effects including fungal and bacterial super-infections and gastrointestinal infections. As such, cranberry extract provides a safe, inexpensive and effective alternative to antibiotics for older women looking to prevent recurring UTIs.
McMurdo MET, Argo I, Phillips G, Daly F, Davey P. Cranberry or trimethoprim for the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections? A randomized controlled trial in older women. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 2008. Available online November 28, 2008.
For more information see Cran-UTI
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