Cranberry Treatment and Prostate Health.

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Cranberry Treatment and Prostate Health.

Source: British Journal of Nutrition

Related Monographs: Prostate Health, Cranberry

The prostate is a walnut-sized organ that lies just below the bladder, surrounding the urethra. The function of the prostate is to enhance the motility of sperm cells by secreting a thin, alkaline fluid into the urethra. Inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are common afflictions of men over the age of 50 and should be treated immediately, otherwise, an increased risk of more serious complications could develop. Prostate cancer is the leading form of cancer among men. Risk factors for prostate cancer include family history and being African-American. While most prostate cancers are found in the peripheral zone, they may occur anywhere in the prostate. Early detection is critical in order to increase the chances of survival.

Cranberry fruit juice has been recommended for many years for the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Recent scientific research lends credence to this folk remedy. In the United States, UTIs account for a significant number of the bacterial infections that are reported each year. Although these infections are not usually life threatening or even a significant health risk for most individuals, there is increasing concern over bacterial resistance to antibiotics that treat UTIs and other infections. Therefore, cranberry could, in some cases, serve as a natural and much-needed complement to conventional antibiotics.

Recent research has found that cranberries may relieve lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in older men, thereby, improving prostate health and reducing the risk of prostate cancer. The study included 42 men with an average age of 63 years. The participants were divided into two groups where one group received 1500 mg of dried powdered cranberries everyday for six months and the second group was given placebo pills for the duration of the study. The results revealed that men in the cranberry group experienced statistically significant improvements in all of the targeted markers, while no significant improvements were noted in the control group. Since the current medications used to treat LUTS in men can cause adverse effects, cranberries may be a beneficial new therapy. Cranberries do not carry the same adverse reactions as other medications and they are inexpensive, natural and effective in treating older men with LUTS. In conclusion, the effective treatment of LUTS by using cranberries may contribute to the improvement of prostate health.1

1 Vidlar A, Vostalova J, Ulrichova J, et al. The effectiveness of dried cranberries ( Vaccinium macrocarpon) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms. Br J Nutr. 2010.

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