What Are Cranberry Supplements? 8 Health Benefits (2024)

  • Properties
  • Benefits
    • 8 benefits of cranberry supplements
  • Side Effects
    • Are there any side effects of cranberry supplements?
  • Comments
      **COMMENTSTAGLIST**
  • More
      **OTHERTAGLIST**

What Are Cranberry Supplements? 8 Health Benefits (1)

Cranberries are packed with antioxidants and other nutrients that have a ton of health benefits. Here are 8 benefits of cranberry supplements

Cranberries are packed with antioxidants and other nutrients that have a ton of health benefits. They are often sold as dietary supplements in the form of extracts, pills, capsules, or gummies.

Cranberries are high in:

  • Vitamin C
  • Flavonoids
  • Anthocyanins
  • Proanthocyanidins
  • Catechin
  • Triterpenoids

Because of the presence of these potent antioxidants and vitamin C, preclinical studies (lab studies) have shown that cranberry supplements may have the following properties:

  • Antimicrobial
  • Antifungal
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Anti-adherence

8 benefits of cranberry supplements

1. Helps promote bladder health

Cranberry is commonly used to prevent bladder infections. According to some studies, cranberry juice or extract may inhibit the ability of bacteria to adhere to the bladder wall, resulting in a lower incidence of urinary tract infections.

Cranberry acts as a urinary “deodorant” by increasing urine acidity that reduces the activity of bacteria that break down chemicals in the urine and produce a pungent odor.

2. Protects against stomach ulcers

Preliminary evidence suggests that cranberry may help prevent ulcer-causing bacteria (Helicobacter pylori) from adhering to the stomach wall. It has thus been proposed for the prevention or treatment of stomach ulcers.

3. Fights cavities

Cranberry compounds prevent bacteria from overgrowing in your mouth, which can help protect against cavities and gum disease.

4. May prevent cancer

Limited animal studies have shown that cranberry extracts and proanthocyanidins have antiproliferative effects in vivo against cancer of the esophagus, stomach, colon, bladder, prostate, glioblastoma, and lymphoma. However, human trials are yet to be conducted.

5. Antibacterial effects

According to some preliminary studies, bacteria were more sensitive to cranberry-antibiotic combinations than to antibiotics alone, and proanthocyanidins derived from cranberries suppressed antibiotic resistance.

Studies showed that when cranberry extracts were given alongside antibiotics, the bacteria did not develop antibiotic resistance. The ability to enhance antibiotic action could improve treatment outcomes and prevent the emergence of antibiotic-resistant infections.

6. Rich in antioxidants

Cranberry boosts the body's antioxidant capacity. Antioxidants neutralize chemicals known as free radicals that can damage cells and tissues in the body and contribute to aging.

7. Aids absorption of vitamin B12

Clinical studies have shown that drinking cranberry juice with vitamin B12-containing foods may improve absorption of the vitamin. This may be especially beneficial for vegetarians and those who take antacids.

8. May reduce bad cholesterol

Cranberry supplements help lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol in people with type II diabetes who are taking hypoglycemic medication.

What Are Cranberry Supplements? 8 Health Benefits (2)

QUESTION

Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See Answer

Are there any side effects of cranberry supplements?

The typical dose of dry cranberry extract and cranberry juice is as follows:

  • Cranberry extract: 300-400 milligrams twice daily
  • Cranberry juice: 8-16 ounces daily

While these amounts are safe for the majority of people, excessive consumption may result in the following side effects:

Cranberry extract may interfere with medications such as:

The FDA does not strictly regulate cranberry supplements and has not approved them for medicinal use. That means there is no guarantee of a product's purity, strength, or safety. As a result, effects may differ.

Before taking cranberry supplements, consult your doctor if you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or are nursing. If you experience any side effects, contact your doctor right away.

References

Cranberry: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-958/cranberry

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cranberry

Cranberry chew tabs, tablets, or capsules: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19745-cranberry-chew-tabs-tablets-or-capsules

What Are Cranberry Supplements? 8 Health Benefits (2024)

FAQs

What Are Cranberry Supplements? 8 Health Benefits? ›

Also, they may promote heart health, improve blood sugar control, boost immunity and protect against cancer, cavities and stomach ulcers. Dosages of up to 1,500 mg per day are safe for most. Cranberry pills may be worth a try for those who get frequent urinary tract infections or want some extra antioxidant support.

What is a cranberry supplement good for? ›

Also, they may promote heart health, improve blood sugar control, boost immunity and protect against cancer, cavities and stomach ulcers. Dosages of up to 1,500 mg per day are safe for most. Cranberry pills may be worth a try for those who get frequent urinary tract infections or want some extra antioxidant support.

Is it OK to take cranberry capsules everyday? ›

You may be wondering, “is it ok to take cranberry pills every day?” The vast majority of people experience no problems when taking cranberry tablets. However, there have been instances of people suffering from stomach aches, abdominal pain, and increased frequency of urination.

What are the side effects of taking cranberry pills? ›

Stomach upset or diarrhea may occur with very large doses. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: severe stomach/abdominal pain. A very serious allergic reaction to this product is rare.

What organ is cranberry good for? ›

Promoting heart health. Protecting the urinary tract. Decreasing inflammation association with chronic disease and aging. Supporting digestive health.

Can cranberry pills get rid of odor? ›

Cranberry has been used for reducing the risk of "bladder infections" (urinary tract infections). It has also been used for decreasing the smell of urine in people who are unable to control urination (incontinent).

What to avoid when taking cranberry pills? ›

Possible Interactions
  • Warfarin (Coumadin): Cranberry may raise the risk of bleeding, especially if you already take medications to thin the blood such as warfarin. ...
  • Aspirin: Like aspirin, cranberries contain salicylic acid. ...
  • Other medications: Cranberry may interact with medications that are broken down by the liver.

Is cranberry supplement safe for kidneys? ›

Since oxalate is found in kidney stones, cranberry might increase the risk of kidney stones. If you have a history of kidney stones, stay on the safe side and avoid taking cranberry extract products or drinking a lot of cranberry juice.

Which is better, cranberry juice or cranberry pills? ›

Studies have pointed out that due to the added sugars and water that dilute the cranberry juice, cranberry capsules are a more effective alternative. In fact, it turns out that the active ingredient in cranberries that helps prevent E. coli from turning into an infection may not even be present in cranberry juice!

What illness can cranberries prevent? ›

Cranberries contain a substance that can prevent bacteria from sticking on the walls of the bladder. This may help reduce bladder and other urinary tract infections (UTIs). Cranberries (usually as cranberry juice) have been used to try and treat UTIs, particularly in high risk groups such as older people.

What is 100% cranberry good for? ›

Cranberry juice is rich in anti-inflammatory antioxidants and key nutrients. It may also help prevent UTIs, support a healthy gut, and help manage some chronic conditions, like heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis. However, consuming cranberries daily may not be optimal for everyone.

Which is healthier blueberries or cranberries? ›

The cranberry is also a contender when it comes to antioxidant content. While wild blueberries outperform them when it comes to measuring both antioxidant capacity and cellular antioxidant activity, cranberries pack their own health punch.

What happens if you take cranberry pills everyday? ›

Cranberry pills may improve heart health

Cranberries are known to be high in polyphenols, which are antioxidants that neutralize free radicals that can be harmful to your body. One study showed that drinking a cranberry beverage daily for eight weeks improved antioxidant levels and reduced cardiovascular factors.

Can cranberry pills raise blood pressure? ›

Results. The results of the pooled effect size indicated that cranberry administration significantly reduced systolic blood pressure and body mass index.

Do cranberry pills make you pee a lot? ›

Cranberry pills and cranberry juice are often touted as a good home remedy for preventing urinary tract infections, which can cause frequent urination. Cranberry pills do not cause excessive or frequent urination. Do not take any supplements without the advice and supervision of your doctor.

Do cranberry pills help with pH balance? ›

Cranberry Supplements

They also contain compounds called proanthocyanidins which may help to flush UTI-causing bacteria from the body. Cranberry comes in the form of fruits, juices and vitamins, which may help with maintaining pH balance.

Are cranberry pills good for kidneys? ›

Other studies have shown that cranberry supplements improved kidney function in people with early-stage kidney disease. However, a review of 12 studies found no significant evidence to support the use of any cranberry product for the prevention or treatment of kidney disease.

What does cranberry do for your stomach? ›

Stomach health.

Antioxidants in cranberry juice, particularly A-type proanthocyanidins, can help prevent the growth of a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori that causes stomach ulcers. Drinking cranberry juice may help reduce infections of this bacteria.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Geoffrey Lueilwitz

Last Updated:

Views: 6453

Rating: 5 / 5 (60 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Geoffrey Lueilwitz

Birthday: 1997-03-23

Address: 74183 Thomas Course, Port Micheal, OK 55446-1529

Phone: +13408645881558

Job: Global Representative

Hobby: Sailing, Vehicle restoration, Rowing, Ghost hunting, Scrapbooking, Rugby, Board sports

Introduction: My name is Geoffrey Lueilwitz, I am a zealous, encouraging, sparkling, enchanting, graceful, faithful, nice person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.