Cranberry pills are a nutritional supplement that are rich in vitamin C, proanthocyanidins and minerals like zinc and selenium. They contain natural antioxidant action that help to fight damage to cells caused by free radicals. Cranberry pills can be recommended for preventing urinary infections, stomach ulcers or premature aging.
Cranberry pills can be purchased in pharmacies or health food stores, however they do not replace medical treatment. It should be taken as prescribed by a doctor, registered dietitian or medicinal plant specialist.
Cranberries can also be consumed as in its fresh or dehydrated form to achieve specific health benefits.
Health benefits
Cranberry pills can be used for:
- Preventing or complementing the treatment of UTIs, such as cystitis or bladder infections, as it helps prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract
- Complementing the treatment of urinary problems, such as neurogenic bladder or urinary incontinence
- Preventing heart disease, as it helps increase good cholesterol
- Preventing or complementing the treatment of stomach ulcers caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, as it helps to inhibit the adhesion of this bacteria in the stomach
- Preventing premature aging as it reduces damage caused by free radicals to cells.
Some lab studies on cells have shown that cranberries can help prevent or combat some cancers, like breast, esophageal, stomach, intestinal, bladder, and prostate cancers, as well as glioblastoma and lymphoma. They are rich in antioxidants, which reduce the growth of cancer cells or induce their death. However, more studies are still needed in humans to prove these benefits.
Cranberry pills can be used to help prevent or treat illnesses, but are not a substitute for medical treatment. Therefore, it is important to always consult a doctor to treat specific health conditions.
How to take
Cranberry pills should be taken orally with a glass of water. The normally recommended doses range from 120 to 1600 mg per day, which can be taken for up to 12 weeks of treatment, as prescribed by a doctor or health care professional.
It is important to highlight that dosing and duration for cranberry pills may vary depending on the health condition to be treated, and therefore they should be taken as guided by a doctor or registered dietitian. They should not replace medical treatment, and should instead be taken as a complement.
Possible side effects
Cranberry in pills is generally well tolerated, however, side effects such as stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting may occur.
Although rare, cranberry pills can also cause serious allergic reactions that require immediate medical attention. Therefore, you should stop treatment and seek the nearest emergency room if you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing or wheezing, a feeling of a closed throat, swelling in the mouth, tongue or face, or intense itching.
Contraindications for use
Cranberry pills should not be taken by children, pregnant or breastfeeding women or by people with a history of kidney stones, cirrhosis, stomach disease or diabetes.
Cranberry should also not be used by anyone with allergies to any of the formula's components or acetylsalicylic acid.
Furthermore, cranberry pills should not be used by people taking medications like warfarin, dicumarol, atorvastatin or nifedipine, as it may increase the risk of side effects from these medications.
