Our experts on... cranberries
Much has been said about the nutritional and anti-oxidant qualities of cranberries. This is what our panel of experts have to say about this so-called “super fruit”.
Do cranberries reduce urinary tract infections in women?
Cranberries (particularly in the form of cranberry juice) has been used widely for several decades for the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections. It is popular in women who have recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI), as it is considered more of an alternative medicine or health supplement as opposed to antibiotics. Some women are more prone to urinary tract infections during their periods, so they would take cranberry juice to prevent the infection during this time.
Cranberry works by preventing the adhesion of bacteria to the wall of the urinary bladder. It has this effect on the most common bacteria causing UTI – the E. coli bacteria. There are some studies to show that taking cranberry juice or tablets do result in a decrease in symptomatic UTI in women. However, not everyone can tolerate taking cranberry juice for a long time. Such patients may be able to tolerate cranberry tablets better.
Dr Ng Kok Kit
Consultant Urologist
Changi General Hospital
Are there any benefits to consuming cranberry juice during your period?
Cranberry juice has traditionally been used for the treatment and prevention of urinary tract infections, and there is some research to support its use in the prevention of urinary tract infections (UTI). Recent studies have also suggested that regular drinking of cranberry juice may have a protective effect against UTI in pregnancy. However, to date there is no evidence that consuming cranberry juice has a beneficial effect for women having their period. Moderate amounts of cranberry juice have no known harmful effects; however excessive intake may have a laxative effect.
Ms Ang Bixia
Dietitian, Department of Nutrition & Dietetics
KK Women's and Children's Hospital
What role do cranberries play in the battle against cancer?
Cranberries are rich in phytochemicals such as flavonoids, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins and phenolic acids. In experiments on colon oesophageal and breast cancer cells grown in the laboratory, cranberry extracts have been shown to slow cancer cell growth. Another study in 2007 reported that addition of cranberry extract to standard chemotherapy increased the effectiveness of the chemotherapy several fold, when used in the treatment of ovarian cancer cells grown in the laboratory.
Although these reports are interesting and point to a possible role of cranberries in cancer treatment, there is still a long way to go before we say that cranberries have any anti-cancer benefit, and active research is ongoing to further address these questions. The exact compound in cranberry responsible for any anti-cancer benefit needs to be identified. In addition, more studies would be required, first, in laboratory animals, to test the effect of cranberries on the development and/or treatment of cancer, and to determine the optimum dose to be used. If proven safe, studies can be then conducted in humans to evaluate the safety, effectiveness and role of cranberries. Only after that can we make a conclusion on their true anti-cancer properties in man.
Dr Ang Mei-Kim
Associate Consultant, Department of Medical Oncology
National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS)
Estimated nutrient content of cranberries (raw)
Serving size: 110g
Energy: 51 kcal
Carbohydrate: 13g
Dietary fiber: 5g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 2mg
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