The Cranberry Institute Response to the Publication of "Cranberries vs. Antibiotics to Prevent Urinary Tract Infections" by Beerepoot, et al., Archives of Internal Medicine, 2011;171(14):1270-1278

NEW YORK, July 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Although it is well-known within the medical and research community that low-dose antibiotic use can lead to massive antibiotic resistance, it is prescribed for preventing infection in some situations.  This study attempted to address this issue by comparing the use of low-dose antibiotics to a safe, natural and clinically effective alternative, the cranberry.

The study compared a 12-month prophylaxis use of the antibiotic, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) and 500 mg twice daily of cranberry capsules in premenopausal women suffering from recurrent UTI.

Results:

It was concluded that both the low-dose antibiotic and the cranberry capsule (at a low dose) helped to prevent recurrent UTIs - with the antibiotic being slightly more effective.  However, those taking the low-dose antibiotic developed significant resistance to a number of major antibiotics used to prevent and treat UTIs.  Of concern was the increase in resistance to Cipro from 8.3% to 23.1% after 12 months of low-dose antibiotic use.

Response:  

Cranberry use did not cause any antibiotic resistance.  Amy B. Howell, Ph.D., from the Marucci Center for Blueberry Cranberry Research at Rutgers University explains, "Unlike antibiotics, cranberry does not kill bacteria.  The fruit contains compounds that prevent the pathogenic bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall, which is the initial step in the infection process. Interrupting the adhesion prevents the bacteria from growing and causing a UTI."

The results of this latest study confirm that low-dose antibiotics should not be the first choice in UTI prevention given the substantial increase in multiple antibiotic resistance development.  The study also showed that cranberry should still be considered as an alternative for prevention of recurrent UTI, even though its efficacy was slightly lower than that of the drug.  Dr. Howell concurs and adds, "Cranberry has not only been shown clinically to prevent UTI, but it also has a wide range of other health benefits, including reducing certain risk factors for heart disease."    

If you're doing a story, Amy B. Howell, Ph.D., is available for comment.  Please contact Louise Pollock at 212.941.4906.

Louise Pollock
Pollock Communications
On Behalf of the Cranberry Institute
[email protected]

SOURCE The Cranberry Institute