Cranberry Juice for UTIs: Does It Actually Work?

One of the most widely held beliefs about urinary tract infections (UTIs) is that drinking cranberry juice (or taking cranberry supplements) can prevent and get rid of them. We know that what we eat can have profound effects on our health and wellness, but does cranberry juice help with UTIs?

Urologist Emily Slopnick, MD, shares the science behind these claims.

Why use cranberry juice for UTIs?

Cranberries contain an active ingredient called proanthocyanidins (PAC). PAC is a flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that make it harder for E. coli and other bacteria to stick to the lining of your bladder. It’s believed that increasing the amount of PAC in your urine helps prevent infections in your urinary tract.

“Increasing your water intake makes good sense to dilute and clear any bacteria in your bladder, and one research study found that women who had at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day had fewer episodes of UTI symptoms,” says Dr. Slopnick.

What science says about cranberries and UTIs

Studies suggest taking 36 milligrams (mg) of PAC per day to prevent UTIs, but more research is needed to find out how often you need to take that much PAC for it to be effective. A 2016 clinical trial found that taking a cranberry extract with 36 mg of PAC was effective when used twice per day for seven days. But a 2024 series of 10 clinical trials found that using cranberry products daily only significantly reduced the risk of UTIs when they were used continually for 12 to 24 weeks.

Not knowing the amount of PAC in cranberry products could also lead to inconsistent dosing, especially in supplements. In other words, products may not always have enough PAC to prevent bacteria from sticking to your bladder wall.

Still, the American Urological Association’s guidelines on recurrent UTIs in women state that doctors may suggest using cranberry products to prevent UTIs because it’s low-risk.

The bottom line? “Cranberry won’t hurt, but it may help,” says Dr. Slopnick. “It could be worth trying if you struggle with frequent UTIs. You need to take the cranberry supplement every day to prevent UTIs, not just with symptoms. I recommend following the instructions on the bottle or packaging for dosing.”

Cranberry juice vs. cranberry pills for UTIs

More studies are also needed to figure out which offers better prevention: cranberry juice or cranberry supplements.

A 2016 clinical trial of 185 female nursing home residents found no significant results for those who took cranberry pills after one year. A 2024 review found that cranberry juice provides better outcomes against UTIs. But updated studies suggest that both cranberry pills and cranberry juice help reduce the risk of UTIs.

“If you choose cranberry juice, make sure it’s 100% cranberry juice, as the common cranberry juice cocktail has very little cranberry juice and won’t help prevent UTIs,” clarifies Dr. Slopnick. “Also, there is no specific ‘dose’ of cranberry juice, and juice has a high sugar content. To keep things simple, I recommend taking a daily cranberry supplement for a more concentrated dose of the PACs.”

Risks and concerns

For most people, there’s little harm in using cranberry products for UTI prevention. But cranberries are also acidic and high in sugar, which could cause an upset stomach and other symptoms. Always talk to a healthcare provider (especially if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding) before starting a supplement, as it can interact with medications. And be cautious about using cranberries for UTIs if you have:

• Kidney stones
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Interstitial cystitis (bladder pain syndrome)
• Gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

You should also talk to a healthcare provider if you’re taking:

• Blood thinners
• Allergy medications
• Proton pump inhibitors
• Statins

What works

Antibiotics are the only effective treatment for UTIs. But when it comes to prevention, cranberries aren’t the only way to be proactive against future infections. Try these at-home prevention strategies:

• Pee after sex.
• Stay hydrated.
• Wipe front to back when using the toilet.
• Reduce the chances of having diarrhea or constipation (which increases your risk of UTIs) by staying regular and eating high-fiber foods.
• Limit foods and drinks that irritate your bladder, like caffeine, alcohol or citrus fruits.
• Talk to a healthcare provider about vaginal estrogen creams, rings or tablets if you’re going through menopause.