Cranberries may be one added tool in the much-needed arsenal against antibiotic resistance.
Reporting Friday at the International Conference on Polyphenols and Health (ICPH), scientists showed growing data on how cranberries can help address recurring urinary tract infections - the second leading infection in humans - and therefore lead to lower antibiotic dependence.
The fruit's polyphenol antioxidants, too, were seen to assist heart and cognitive wellness, as well as protect against oxidative stress for overall health.
Dr. Kalpana Gupta, medicine professor and infectious diseases chief at Boston Healthcare System, said they have long trusted on cranberries to deliver urinary tract benefits. "[B]ut this new research reveals just how wide-ranging those benefits can be," he reported.
About 40 percent of women and 12 percent of men will experience UTI in their lifetime, greatly contributing to the growing concern of antibiotic resistance. In the United States, more than two million are infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, while about 400,000 Europeans a year are infected with a resistant strain.
Clinical trials suggested that cranberry may reduce UTI symptoms. Rising resistance at present is making oral UTI medications limited and often unavailable.
Cranberries are also touted for cardiovascular and cognitive support. Polyphenols, like those found in the fruit that help prevent bacteria from attaching to cells, could enhance blood flow.
Nutrition research expert Dr. Luis Goya highlighted the potential role of cranberries in protecting against oxidative stress, which can fortify the body's ability to fight the negative effects of stress. "[They] can be a vital nutritional asset to address global health issues, particularly as more people look to holistic approaches for healing," he said.
Other studies showed that cranberry can also be potentially useful in fighting cancer - via slowing tumor progression and positively working against liver, prostate, breast, ovarian, and colon cancers. In dental health, its proanthocyanidins (PACs) heralded for UTI prevention are also seen to prevent bacteria from binding to teeth.
Economist Jim O'Neill, leading the Review on Antimicrobial Resistance, called for avoiding "the tragedy of 10 million people dying every year by 2050" due to antibiotic resistance. He urged doctors to give patients the right treatment and cut down on huge unnecessary medication.
The review pointed out factors such as inappropriate prescriptions (viruses or non-infectious), often favoring medication over early and accurate diagnosis, and pharmaceutical companies being uninterested in rapid diagnostics, which will reduce antibiotic use.
Photo: Pen Waggener | Flickr
