Fall 2019

With cooler weather, fall foliage and – of course – cranberry season upon us, we are excited to share our updates with you this fall. The Cranberry Institute kicked-off the season by exhibiting at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE) in Philadelphia! Attended by over 10,000 registered dietitians (RDs), we shared the latest in cranberry health science and distributed educational resources.

We heard from many RDs about how they use cranberries in their favorite recipes and in their practice. One dietitian shared a story of implementing cranberry product order writing in her facility to help lower rates of UTIs, as well as reduce cost. The Cranberry Institute was able to share our latest resources promoting the American Urological Association Guidelines, recipes and more!

Read on for the latest in cranberry and health research, as well as more on our resources and delicious cranberry recipes.

Cranberries and Human Health

American Urological Association releases New UTI Guidelines

Guidelines for Recurrent Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections in Women: AUA/CUA/SUFU Guideline (2019) were recently released by American Urological Association (AUA), in combination with the Canadian Urological Association and Society of Urodyamincs, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU). A panel of urologists with the AUA/CUA/SUFU released guidelines that indicate cranberry products, in juice and tablet form, may be used as a non-antibiotic prophylactic option for those affected by recurrent UTIs. The guidelines for clinicians provide a treatment algorithm roadmap that lists cranberry as a suggested preventive measure.

Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem worldwide. In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance proclaiming its dedication to combat the rise of antibiotic resistance. This publication has driven demand for research on non-antibiotic preventive methods for recurrent UTIs and suggests that cranberry products may be a part of the solution.

Check out the CI’s latest infographic here.

Cranberries and Your Health: What the Latest Research Shows

With sponsorship support from the British Columbia Cranberry Marketing Committee, Dr. Amy Howell presented research about the health benefits of cranberries in Philadelphia to 110 Registered Dietitians.

Cranberry has distinguished itself as a functional food with potent health benefits. It has a rich folklore history of use as an antimicrobial, especially for prevention of urinary tract infections. This little red berry is gaining attention in the research world for having a broad array of benefits, including compelling effects on the gut microbiome, which have been shown to influence cardiovascular and diabetic risk factors. The bacterial anti-adhesion effects of cranberry are not limited to prevention of urinary tract health but extend to the stomach for control of ulcer-causing bacteria and to the oral cavity for positive effects on periodontal disease.The influence of antibiotic resistance and prescribing of antibiotics to treat these bacterial infections was discussed along with how including cranberry in the diet as a preventative could reduce the pace of resistance development. The way that cranberry is consumed (dosage and product form) can influence the overall bioactivity and resulting health benefits.

Cranberry Polyphenols: Natural Weapons against Dental Caries

Bioactive components of the American cranberry (Vaccimium macrocarpon) are thought to weaken several pathways to cariogenesis. This recent review highlights the effect cranberry polyphenols have on enzymes and proteins, as well as the environment, known to increase risk for dental caries. Laboratory studies suggest flavonoids present in cranberries such as quercetin, myricetin, kaempferol and a-linked proanthocyanidins have a role in limiting plaque production, decreasing acid promotion and interfering with the ability of bacteria to thrive in low pH environments. Clinical research is necessary to determine if the anticipated preventive properties of cranberry products translate to cavity prevention in high-risk individuals and populations.

Philip, N, Walsh, LJ. Cranberry polyphenols: natural weapons against dental caries. Dent J. 2019; 7 (20).

Whole-Body Health Benefits at your Fingertips

To stay up-to-date with cranberry health science, visit the Cranberry Health Research Library. The Library is your source for research abstracts and references categorized by topic areas. The whole-body investigations include the study of cranberries and the health of the urinary tract, heart and gut. Studies also explore cranberry’s role in cancer prevention, glucose metabolism and inflammation.

Cranberry Health News

Volume 16 — Issue 2