Cranberry Could Spell Sweet Support for Prostate Health

If you’re a man who can’t sit through a movie—much less sleep through the night—without getting up to make yet another trip to the bathroom, then this latest piece of research is for you. A recently published clinical study shows that the humble cranberry might prove to be a powerful natural option for your inopportune urgency to urinate… and that a long-awaited truce between you and your bladder may be just a daily supplement away.

This six-month study included 42 men, all of whom had indications of suboptimal prostate health and imbalances in inflammatory response. Researchers separated the subjects into two groups, one of which received 1,500 mg of dried cranberry powder per day, while the other received no cranberry supplementation.

All of the men were evaluated for urological health at the beginning of the study, and again after three and six months—methods included a physical exam, as well as assessments of quality of life, prostate and erectile health according to standard questionnaires. Researchers also evaluated the results of basic blood tests, paying special attention to testosterone levels, prostate blood tests, inflammatory C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and antioxidant status.

Results at the end of the study showed that the group taking a daily cranberry supplement experienced a significant increase in measures of urinary health over the course of those six months. While cranberry didn’t result in any noticeable changes in testosterone or CRP levels, standard questionnaires and evaluations revealed a marked improvement in common prostate complaints, quality of life and prostate blood tests, as well as beneficial changes in urine flow, total urine volume and post-void residual urine volume.¹

The study authors’ conclusion: When it comes to natural solutions for a healthy urinary tract—from your prostate to your bladder—evidence points to cranberry as one of your safest and strongest natural bets. That means less time waiting in line at the men’s room, more time living your life the way you want to… and the sweet relief of sleeping through the night every night.

Look for cranberry extract as one of the featured ingredients in the urinary health formula D-Mannose Plus, available from Vitamin Research Products®.

Reference:

1. Vidlar A, Vostalova J, Ulrichova J, Student V, Stejskal D, Reichenbach R, Vrbkova J, Ruzicka F, Simanek V. The effectiveness of dried cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms. Br J Nutr. 2010 Oct;104(8):1181-9.