UTI not cured by cranberries, suggests a new study

A new study suggests that using cranberry juice to cure urinary tract infections (UTI) may not work.

Researchers at the University of Stirling in Scotland found in a review of 24 previous studies that cranberries may not protect against cystitis, a painful bladder infection that stems from a UTI.

"We can't see a particular need for more studies of the effect of cranberry juice, as the majority of existing studies indicate that the benefit is small at best, and the studies have high drop-out rates," said study author Ruth Jepson, according to CBS News. 

"More studies of other cranberry products such as tablets and capsules may be justified, but only for women with recurrent UTIs, and only if these products contain the recommended amount of active ingredient."

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The studies reviewed included nearly 5000 women who were prescribed various remedies for cystitis like cranberry juice, antibiotics and placebos.

The Daily Mail said some of the studies found that cranberry juice helped but only if drunk in mass quantities.

Researchers said that cranberry pills may warrant further study given their concentration of active ingredients.

The research was published in the Cochrane Library, a guide on healthcare decision-making for doctors.