Cranberries – An Introduction

Cranberries are a beloved confection, particularly during the holiday season, due to their small, tart body and vibrant red colour.  Additionally, they are abundant in antioxidants and offer numerous health advantages.  These advantages can be obtained without the necessity of consuming cranberries daily through the use of cranberry tablets, which are composed of dried, powdered cranberries.

Cranberries are most renowned for their ability to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), frequently caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli). Initially, physicians believed that cranberry functioned by increasing the acidity of urine, which would eradicate the microorganisms. Currently, research indicates that cranberry may inhibit the attachment of microorganisms to the exterior walls of the urinary pathway. Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated that cranberry can prevent, rather than treat, urinary tract infections (UTIs) when taken as juice or capsules.

Nutrition Profile of Cranberries

One serving is a quarter cup of dried or one cup of raw berries. Due to the higher sugar content of the dried berries, these portions differ nutritionally.

Raw cranberries in a cup include:

• 46 kcal
• zero grammes of fat.
• Twelve grammes of carbs
• Four grammes of fibre
• Four grammes of sugar
• One gramme of protein
• Two milligrammes of salt

 

Dried cranberries in a quarter cup contain:

• Ninety-two calories
• zero grammes of fat.
• 25 grammes of carbs
• 22 grammes of sugar
• 0 grammes of protein
• 2 grammes of fibre
• Two milligrammes of salt

 

What are the Advantages of consuming Cranberries?

Antioxidants and other vitamins are abundant in cranberries. Native Americans historically employed cranberries to treat bladder and kidney diseases, while early immigrants from England employed them to treat scurvy, blood disorders, poor appetite, and stomach complaints.

Cranberries may offer the following advantages:

Preventing infection

Traditional treatments for urinary tract infections have included the use of cranberries. Cranberries may prevent specific microbes from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract due to their high concentration of antioxidant proanthocyanidins (PACs). PACs in cranberries may play a role in preventing infection in this manner.

Reducing risk for cardiac diseases

A systematic review determined that including cranberries in one's diet may assist in managing numerous risk factors for heart disease (CVD). This encompasses systolic blood pressure, the blood pressure present during a cardiac muscle contraction.

Attenuating the progression of cancer

Cancer cells in test vessels exhibited many beneficial behaviours when exposed to cranberries or their constituents. This encompassed the following advantages:

1. initiating the demise of cancer cells
2. reducing the rate of cancer cell proliferation
3. diminishing swelling
4. Improving oral hygiene

Cranberries may be beneficial in protecting teeth from a strand of bacteria that causes tooth caries.

Preventing gastric ulcers

Cranberry juice contains specific compounds that can assist in the elimination of H. pylori bacterial infections in the stomach, thereby decreasing the likelihood of developing stomach ulcers.

Improved blood sugar regulation

Numerous investigations have demonstrated that the juice from cranberries can substantially diminish the blood sugar level in individuals with diabetes.

 

13 Best Cranberry Supplements for Urinary Health

1.   Swanson Cranberry

Cranberry concentrate is beneficial in maintaining the health of the urinary tract, and Swanson Cranberry Concentrate makes it easier to take. Designed as a convenient alternative to cranberry juice, these soft gels deliver a potent 20:1.It also contains one cranberry juice concentrate with 800mg of cranberry to keep the bladder and kidneys healthy. The formula contains added Vitamin C, which adds antioxidants to the product, and Vitamin E.

• Promotes Urinary Tract Health: Aids healthy urinary tract function and helps maintain bladder control.
• Supports Kidney Function: Helps keep the overall kidney health.
• Easy-to-Swallow Softgels: It's great for anyone who doesn't care for the sharp taste of cranberry juice.
• Enriched with Antioxidants: Has Vitamin C and Vitamin E to support immune health.
• Science-Backed: has been proudly manufactured with quality in mind since 1969.

Dosage:

Take 2 soft gels two times per day with water.

Warnings:

• For adults only.
• If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition, consult a healthcare provider.
• Do not ingest. Not for use in children.
• Keep well away from children. Only use it if the seal is fixed.
• Store in a cool, dry place. Do not refrigerate.

 

2. Dr. Mercola D-mannose

In addition to supporting healthy immunological and mitochondrial functioning and preserving the body's natural detoxification processes, D-mannose and cranberry offer daily support for the bladder and urinary tract functions.

Made with 400 mg of cranberry fruit powder and 1,000 mg of D-mannose, it provides the urinary system with healthy nutrients without the excessive sugar in cranberry juice. In alignment with Dr Mercola's commitment to quality, this formula lacks GMOs, gluten, and soy.

Dr. Mercola's physician-formulated products are exclusively manufactured with components of the highest quality. For everyday maintenance, cranberry extract and D-mannose make the ideal combo. D-mannose formulation has been updated to deliver the optimal dosage of D-mannose and cranberry extract, reflecting the most recent research findings.

Warning

• Keep this product at room temperature and out of the reach of children, and do not expose this product to heat or direct sunlight.
• It emphasizes that dietary supplements are not a substitute for a beneficial and diverse diet because they do not contain all the nutrients that enable a healthy lifestyle.
• Take only the recommended dosage because taking more than advised doesn't improve benefits and may lead to harm. Furthermore, your body will benefit from a balanced and nutritious diet and a healthy lifestyle to aid in overall well-being and a good health outcome.

3.  Welzo Cranberry

Welzo Cranberry Supplement is an excellent herbal supplement that promotes the health of the urinary tract. The product features a potent, commonly known as cranberries, providing an impressive 5040mg in each tablet. It is affordable and practical for both men and women, as this pack contains 90 vegan tablets for a three-month supply.

• At a concentration of 36:1, each tablet contains 140 mg of cranberry fruit extract, guaranteeing that consumers receive the highest quality of the fruit.
• In addition to addressing urinary tract infections, the product enhances bladder health, kidney purification, and overall urinary tract support.
• It assists with various conditions, such as thrush and gout, providing various health advantages. The tablets can be easily swallowed, and Vaccinium macrocarpon the suggested dosage is just one tablet daily with food and water.
• This straightforwardness allows individuals to seamlessly integrate it into their everyday lives.

Even though the production occurs in a facility that manages allergens, it enforces rigorous measures to avoid contamination. However, individuals with allergies must exercise caution. The components include cranberry fruit extract, bulking agents like silicon dioxide and stearic acid, and anticaking agents like microcrystalline cellulose and dicalcium phosphate. This clarity proves advantageous for individuals who are conscious of their consumption choices. It is essential for individuals, particularly those receiving medical supervision or taking medication, to seek consultation.

However, this product cannot replace a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet. To sum up, Welzo's Cranberry Supplement is a solid choice for anyone wishing to promote the health of their urinary system.

Components

A single tablet generally offers:

Cranberry extract at a concentration of 36:1, providing 5040mg from fruit, with a dosage of 140mg.

Ingredients

Corn maltodextrin, cranberry fruit extract, microcrystalline cellulose, and di-calcium phosphate as bulking agents Anti-caking substances include silicon dioxide and stearic.

Suggested Use:

Adults should take one tablet with food and water daily. One should stay within the recommended daily dose. It is advised to refer to the product packaging for precise instructions on its usage. To guarantee correct use, always adhere to the instructions on the packaging.

 

4.  NOW foods cranberry caps

NOW® Mannose Cranberry combines two ingredients recognized for supporting urinary tract health. The primary active ingredients in cranberries, mannose and proanthocyanidins (PACs), both have qualities that support the preservation of a clean waste stream. When used consistently, this product's specific blend of whole cranberry fruit with a distinct PAC profile has been shown in clinical settings to support the maintenance of a healthy UT.

Proanthocyanidins may assist in preventing bacteria that cause UTIs from adhering to the outermost layer of the bladder and other linings of the urinary tract. If bacteria are unable to adhere, they are likely to be eliminated the next time the bathroom is used instead. This product includes vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps strengthen immunity and lowers a person's risk of infection of the urinary tract.

 NOW Cranberry Caps provide the authentic nutrient composition characteristic of actual whole foods. NOW Cranberry capsules Antioxidants contained in vitamin C aid in cleansing the urinary tract and preserving its cleanliness.

Advantages

• Assists in lowering the occurrence of urinary tract infections.
• Assists in keeping the urinary tract healthy and clean.
• Offers numerous advantages similar to fresh berries, yet lacks the tartness.
• It helps prevent or slow down the damage to cells caused by free radicals.
• maintains the optimal functioning of our immune system

Guidelines for utilization

• Take two pills. One to two times each day, ideally alongside a meal.
• It is not produced using wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, or tree nuts. This product is manufactured in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.
• Intended solely for an adult audience.
• It is advisable for pregnant or nursing individuals, taking medication or having a medical condition, to consult a physician.
• It is essential to ensure that this item is stored away from children.
• It should be stored in a dry, excellent spot once opened.

 

5.  Cran-Max® capsule

A complete cranberry concentrate with OPC, anthocyanins, and antioxidants is included in each capsule, providing the same health benefits as a 56-ounce cranberry juice smoothie minus the added calories. Additional nutritional support is required since the female urinary tract differs significantly from the male urinary tract's architecture. Numerous published studies suggest that cranberry polyphenols could contribute to maintaining a healthy urinary system. With the same potent polyphenols, organic acids, and antioxidants found in each Cran-Max® capsule, the advantages of consuming four glasses of an 8-ounce cranberry juice smoothie are achieved without the added calories.

Cranberry juice functions without adding calories.

A unique extraction method and a proprietary delivery system enable a greater concentration of all the active nutrients in the cranberry to enter the bloodstream when making Cran-Max®, manufactured from whole cranberries. There is no sugar added.

Potent polyphenols, organic acids, and antioxidants are found in every Cran-Max® pill, which offers the same advantages as consuming a cranberry juice smoothie with no added calories. Life Extension's Cran-Max® necessitates a single daily dose.

Components

Concentrate on whole cranberries, Stearic acid, silica, microcrystalline cellulose, and vegetable cellulose (capsule)

 

6.  AZO Cranberry Supplement

The leaves and fruits of azo-cranberries have long been used medicinally.

In alternative medicine, Azo-cranberry has been utilized as a valuable tool to help avoid UTIs in children, adults with feminine predispositions, and others. The use of Azo-Cranberry is not advised for addressing urinary tract infections. Additional benefits that the study has not supported include lowering urine odour, alleviating the indications of an enlarged prostate, and enhancing the quality of life for those who suffer from urinary incontinence.

The efficacy of Azo-Cranberry in treating any disease or health problem remains uncertain. The FDA has not approved the medicinal use of this product. Azo-Cranberry is not intended to replace any medication a healthcare professional prescribes.

• Azo-cranberry is frequently marketed as a herbal supplement.
• Many herbal compounds are not subject to controlled production standards, and some commercially available supplements have been discovered to include harmful metals or other medications.
• It is important to purchase herbal and health supplements from a reputable vendor to minimize the risk of contamination.

Contact emergency medical assistance if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, including swelling of the cheeks, lips, tongue, or oesophagus, difficulty breathing, or hives.

Azo-cranberry frequently causes upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea as side effects.

 

7. Vitabiotics Ultra Cranberry

Only the highest quality cranberries are chosen for Ultra Cranberry based on their dimension, shade, and active ingredient concentration. The premium cranberries are farmed under certified circumstances and collected with care in the fall. After extraction, each batch undergoes analysis to confirm that it meets the most stringent quality control requirements. Cranberries, known scientifically as Vaccinium macrocarpon, are rich in proanthocyanidins, pigments found in various red, purple, or blue fruits and berries.

Ultra Cranberry is a natural Canadian cranberry product containing proanthocyanidins, the pigments found in red, purple, and blueberries and fruits.

• Includes 750 milligrams of cranberry extract.
• Remarkable power, comparable to more than 18 grammes of a particular fruit.
• Free from synthetic colours and preservatives.
• From the leading vitamin company in the UK

 

Doses 

• A tablet or two a day.
• It should be swallowed with water or a cold beverage.
• It should not be chewed.
• One should stay within the recommended intake.
• This product can be utilized alongside any other item in the Vitabiotics collection.
• There is also evidence that cranberry pills and tablets can help relieve cystitis. To alleviate this, adhere to the identical dosage and instructions.

 

8.  New Leaf High-Strength Cranberry Tablets

High-strength Cranberry Tablets presented by New Leaf are meticulously assessed for overall health and vitality. These premium bottles give an astonishing 30,000 mg of cranberry packed with crucial vitamins for optimum well-being. Renowned for promoting a healthy urinary tract, cranberry is a vibrant blue colour with 50% proanthocyanidins; note the inclusion of Vitamin C, which contributes to reducing tiredness and fatigue and sustains energy throughout the day.

As a one-of-a-kind holistic supplement, vitamin D is vital in solid bones and safeguarding the immune system. This triple-strength formulation provides maximum efficacy, and this environmentally formulated recyclable bottle reveals New Leaf's substitution mantra.

New Leaf's Cranberry Tablets  supply 120 tablets, an entire two-month supply. Hence, it makes it easier than ever to incorporate the numerous benefits of cranberry and essential vitamins into a daily routine. These tablets are designed for people who want to enjoy immunity, energy, and overall well-being with high quality and results.

 

9.  Zipvit Cranberry Tablets

The powerful 10,000 mg of potent cranberry extract and vitamin C in Zipvit Cranberry Tablets boost the immune system. Every tablet is suitable for vegans, is crafted for effortless intake, and is packaged in an eco-friendly container that minimizes plastic waste by sixty per cent. With a four-month supply, these tablets are ideal for individuals aiming to improve their health while promoting environmentally conscious practices. Vitamin C is each tablet's additional antioxidant defence and immune system maintenance ingredient. Accept the anti-oxidant advantages of our cranberry tablets, which also contain vitamin C for immunological support. The tablets are crafted specifically for those who follow a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, ensuring they are free from allergens, gluten, GMOs, dairy, and wheat. These pouches are easy to take in, and each pack offers a generous supply that lasts 4 months, helping maintain consistency with health goals. 

Instructions

One tablet should be taken daily with water.

Components:

Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Cranberry 36:1 Extract, Maltodextrin DC, Ascorbic Acid (HPMC), Stearic Acid, Flow Agent, Coating consists of hydroxypropyl cellulose and glycerin.

10.  Nutravita's Max Strength Cranberry

The exceptionally potent Cranberry Extract offers 180 vegan capsules, sufficient for a two-month supply at a dosage of three capsules daily. In contrast to cranberry tablets, this popular daily supplement features only natural, powdered cranberries sourced from Vaccinium Macrocarpon L., without any anti-caking or bulking agents. Each capsule offers a potent 250mg of 50:1 Cranberry Extract per serving, about 37,500mg of fresh cranberries. The Cranberry supplement consists of just two ingredients: pure cranberry fruit substance and the capsule shell. Artificial colourants, bulking, anti-caking, or flow agents—all are prohibited.

• It is ideal for people on a diet or weight-loss plan because it doesn't contain any sugars or sweeteners—just raw cranberries' natural and healthful sweetness.
• An excellent substitute for cranberry juice Nutravita is a well-known and reliable brand in the Vitamins & Supplements sector, serving thousands of customers globally since 2014.
• Their high-quality products are manufactured, batch-tested, and certified in the UK, protected by the finest manufacturing practices in the world (GMP, BRC).
• To find the best and most advantageous substances, a group of chemists, research experts, and pharmacologists is committed.

11.  Vitaldin Cranberry Gummies

The 500 mg of cranberry extract used in Vitaldin Cranberry Gummies helps the urinary tract operate correctly. Additionally, they contain zinc, a vitamin that helps maintain PH balance (which is necessary for the body to operate correctly) and boosts the immune system by avoiding infections. Additionally, zinc supports the immune system's healthy operation and aids in the prevention of many infections. It also plays a significant role in the balance of acids and bases, which is measured by the pH value indicating a substance's acidity or alkaline nature. It is essential for good health to maintain an alkaline pH.

Therefore, these two active substances offer Vitaldin's Cranberry Gummies a comprehensive choice for preventing cystitis and enhancing overall health.

Dosage

The suggested amount is two gummies daily.

Instructions

• Never take more medication than is expressly advised each day.
• Supplemental foods shouldn't be utilized in place of a healthy diet.
• The product must be stored in a location that is inaccessible to children. Keep away from light sources and store them in a cold, dry location.
• It is advised that this product is not suitable for individuals younger than 3 years old.

Advantages

External germs that enter the urethra are typically the source of urinary tract infections. The bladder is where they mostly form, though they can occasionally make it to the kidneys. Though there are ways to prevent these infections and lessen their symptoms, such as the desire to urinate, urethral itching, and heavy urine, the body often eliminates these harmful bacteria that give us distress.

These bacteria are prevented from adhering to the urethra and urinary system cells by cranberry.

In addition to supporting healthy immune system function and PH management, zinc supports optimal fertility and reproduction, among other aspects of improved bodily health. It helps produce proteins and supports the regular metabolism of carbohydrates and fatty acids.

 

12.  Solgar Natural Cranberry with Vitamin C

Solgar's Natural Cranberry with Vitamin C Vegi Capsules are made with cranberry extract sourced solely from fresh cranberries and can be taken daily.

Cranberries, an organic supplier of hippuric acid, are characterized by their tart flavour and brilliant red hue. People who suffer from cystitis frequently utilize the acid as a means of alleviating the symptoms of the condition. Vitamin C is responsible for several essential tasks within the body, one of which is to assist in maintaining the immune system's normal functioning.

Additional components

• Cellulose derived from vegetables, silica, and magnesium stearate sourced from vegetables.
• Gluten, grain, dairy, soy, yeast, salt, glucose, sugar, artificial flavour, sweetener, and colour are all absent from this product.

Instructions

As a healthcare professional prescribes, take one to two veggie capsules daily, ideally at mealtimes. One should stay within the provided directions for use.

Alerts

Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking medications, or have a medical condition should consult their healthcare practitioner before taking any nutritional supplement. If any adverse effects occur, it is advised not to continue use and seek a healthcare practitioner. It is advised to store this item away from children.

13.  Cystocalm

The treatment known as Cystocalm sachets is designed to alleviate the symptoms associated with cystitis or a urinary tract infection in women. An active component known as sodium citrate has been incorporated into the formulation of Cystocalm. This component contributes explicitly to reducing the acidity that occurs in urine. When the acidity of urine decreases, symptoms from urinary tract infections disappear, ensuring that one does not experience the same level of pain, stinging, or burning sensation. This, in turn, creates a more severe surrounding for bacteria and hinders their ability to thrive. Cystcocalm features a cranberry flavour that might be blended into a pleasant drink to help ease discomfort within a two-day treatment period.

Who is Cystocalm aimed for?

This treatment is intended for individuals aged 16 and older.

How is it used?

One should take a Cystocalm sachet three times daily for two days.

It should be combined with two hundred millilitres of water and consumed immediately.

One ought to stay within the prescribed amount of the sachet.

What are some of the Possible Adverse Effects and Interactions After Consuming Cranberry Supplements?

• After taking cranberry pills, a few individuals have reported experiencing stomach discomfort, abdominal pain, or increased urination. However, the pills are generally well-accepted by the majority of people.
• Cranberries also contain significant salicylic acid, a naturally occurring chemical that combats inflammation. Individuals who have allergies or sensitivities to salicylates, such as aspirin, might consider steering clear of cranberry pills, as an adverse reaction could occur.
• Before using cranberry supplements, individuals with a history of kidney problems should check with their primary care physician. According to certain studies, they might make calcium-oxalate stones more likely to occur.
• There have been several reported instances of cranberry supplements enhancing the effects of the medication that thins blood Warfarin, making it crucial to seek advice from a doctor or chemist before beginning any new nutritional supplements.