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Is Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Good for UTI?

Cranberry juice has long been seen as a natural remedy for UTI, but is Ocean Spray cranberry juice really effective? This article will explore the evidence behind this age-old practice and whether Ocean Spray cranberry juice can help prevent and treat UTIs.

The short answer:

Ocean Spray cranberry juice may help protect against the recurrence of UTI. However, the scientific evidence still needs to be stronger (some people may benefit, and some may not).

Quick insights:

  • Ocean Spray cranberry juice may help protect against the recurrence of UTI, but the scientific evidence is still weak.
  • Cranberry juice and supplements can help prevent recurrence but not cure existing UTIs.
  • Many experts suggest drinking cranberry juice as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, as it is an excellent source of Vitamin C and other essential nutrients.
  • There are many types of cranberry juice you can take for UTI, such as 100% cranberry juice, Diet cranberry juice, and pure cranberry.

[1] Is ocean spray cranberry juice good for UTIs?

Cranberries don’t cure UTI, but they may prevent its recurrence.

Cranberry and cranberry juice (such as Ocean Spray cranberry juice). have long been used as home remedies for urinary tract infections (UTIs). Many people use cranberries once they get a UTI.

Using cranberry juice to cure or treat UTIs is a misconception. However, the scientific evidence behind cranberry juice suggests that it may prevent UTI recurrence.

Cranberry supplements and cranberry juice DOES NOT CURE already existing UTIs.

If you have an active UTI, see your doctor to decide what treatment is best for you.

What does the research say about its efficacy?

Women are at higher risk of recurrent UTIs due to several causes (mainly due to the shorter, wider, and moist urethra).

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Here is a summary of the evidence about cranberry juice and supplements for UTI prevention:

  • A 2017 Meta-analysis study concluded that women who use cranberry supplement or juice has a 26% lower risk of UTI recurrence.
  • A 2018 review study recommended more in-depth, well-designed clinical trials to ensure that cranberry effectively prevents UTIs. However, the same review study stated that cranberries (such as Ocean Spray cranberry Juice) are safe to use as a complementary remedy to prevent recurrent UTIs.

FDA conclusion about cranberries for UTI:

The FDA’s conclusion about cranberry use for UTI: “Consuming 500 mg daily of cranberry dietary supplement may help reduce the risk of recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) in healthy women. FDA has concluded that there is limited scientific evidence supporting this claim.” (reference).

UpToDate.com conclusions (another credible medical resource):

Uptodate.com (one of the largest resources for medical practice trusted by thousands of doctors doesn’t routinely recommend Cranberry products to prevent recurrent cystitis in women (reference).

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[2] How does cranberry prevent UTIs

Possible cranberry compounds that may help prevent the recurrence of UTI

Cranberry may prevent the recurrence of UTI by (reference):

  • Proanthocyanidins (PACs) and their metabolites such as phenyl propionic acid).
  • Organic acids such as malic, quinic, and shikimic acid.
  • D-mannose.
  • Its Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) content.
  • Its low P.H. (acidity) may reach 2.5.
  • Complex carbohydrates and sugars.

The cranberry’s unique mixture of sugars, organic acids, vitamin C, and D-mannose, as well as its low Ph, helps your body to fight against UTIs.

These compounds may help prevent UTIs by:

  • Preventing the bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract lining cells (urothelial cells).
  • Cranberry compounds are consumed by the gut microbiota producing beneficial effects on immunity. Some studies assume that gut microbiota may play a role in immunity and preventing UTIs.
  • Cranberries may prevent temporary colonization of the pathologic bacteria in the colon (the source of UTI is colon bacteria) by promoting beneficial bacteria.
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[3] Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice for UTI (V.S. tablets): pros and cons.

Pros of cranberry juice for UTI:

  • It is as effective as pills if taken correctly (sufficient dose and sufficient duration).
  • More “natural” than pills as it contains high fibers (it may help with digestion and bowel movements).
  • Provides hydration (juice mixes).
  • Safer than antibiotics.
  • The unsweetened form doesn’t cause obesity or elevated blood sugar.

Cons of Ocean spray cranberry Juice for UTI:

  • The scientific evidence behind its use still needs to be stronger.
  • It may help in the prevention of future UTIs, but it doesn’t provide a cure of the already existing UTI.
  • Sweetened Ocean spray is high in sugar (may lead to obesity, uncontrolled diabetes) as it is often taken long-term.
  • Gastrointestinal side effects may be bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and epigastric burning.
  • Less convenient than cranberry pills.

[4] Which type of Ocean Spray cranberry juice should you take?

There are more than ten types of Ocean Spray cranberry juice which can be quite confusing if you are planning to take any of them for UTI.

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For simplification, I will mention the 3 most commonly used Ocean Spray cranberry juices and how to use them.

A. 100% Juice cranberry (juice mix):

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  • Size: 64 O.Z. (8 servings, each serving is 8 fl Oz.).
  • Calories: 100 Kcal per serving (per 8 O.Z.)
  • Dose for UTI prevention: 10 to 16 Fl. O.Z. per day (one or two cups).
  • Pros:
    • No artificial sweeteners.
    • Good source of water (hydration).
    • Good source of Vitamin C.
  • Cons:
    • High-calorie intake (100-200 calories per day).
    • Higher incidence of gastrointestinal discomfort.
    • Large volume (240-500 mL must be taken daily to produce an effect).
    • Not suitable for patients with IBS, Diabetes, and those who want to lose weight.
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B. Ocean Spray Diet Cranberry Juice

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  • Size: 64 O.Z. (8 servings).
  • Calories: 5 Kcal per serving (per 8 O.Z.)
  • Dose for UTI prevention: 10 to 16 Fl. O.Z. per day (one or two cups).
  • Pros:
    • Extremely low calorie (5 Kcal per serving).
    • No weight gain.
    • Suitable for diabetic patients and those who want to lose weight.
    • Good source of water (hydration).
    • Good source of Vitamin C.
  • Cons:
    • Higher incidence of gastrointestinal discomfort.
    • Large volume (240-500 mL must be taken daily to produce an effect).
    • Not suitable for patients with IBS, Diabetes, and those who want to lose weight.

C. Ocean Spray Pure Cranberry Juice.

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  • Size: 32 O.Z. (4 servings).
  • Calories: 60 Kcal per serving (8 Fl. Oz).
  • Dose: 3 O.Z. daily (1/2 cup).
  • Pros:
    • No need to drink large volumes of juice (only half a cup daily).
    • Relatively low caloric intake (30 Kcal daily).
    • Relatively fewer gastrointestinal side effects.
    • Good source of vitamin C.
  • Cons:
    • Not completely sugar-free (as diet cranberry juice).