Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most prevalent bacterial infections in the community, affecting about 150 million people globally. Ladies, in particular, are susceptible to UTIs, with nearly 20-30% of women with an UTI
experiencing recurrence. Other high-risk groups include pregnant mothers, children, elderly patients, especially those with indwelling catheters and neuropathic bladder.
Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) in a form of juice or tablets have been widely used or self-administered for prevention of UTI. However, its efficacy remains controversial, mainly attributed to the lack of standardisation and large
variations in the Proanthocyanidin (PAC) concentration in these products.
PAC, particularly the A-type, is the only recognised compound that could interfere with bacterial adhesion in the urinary tract. Cranberry consumption with sufficient A-type PAC can cause an anti-adhesion response in urine. When bacteria are unable to adhere to cells, they cannot grow and cause infection.
