The old wives’ tale really IS true! Major review rules drinking cranberry juice can prevent STIs

It’s the old wives tale that has divided opinion for decades.

Cranberry juice really can help stop urinary tract infections (UTIs), according to the largest review of evidence to date.

A global study looking at the benefits of cranberries found cranberries – in juice or taken as supplements – cut the risk of repeat UTIs in women by more than a quarter.

Children and people susceptible to infections following medical interventions had the odds slashed by 53 per cent, according to the major review.

They were not effective in the elderly, pregnant women, or for people with bladder-emptying problems, researchers found.

Experts believe it is due to their high concentration of the antioxidant proanthocyanidin, which prevents the most common UTI-causing bacteria – Escherichia coli (E.coli) – from sticking to the bladder wall.

Researchers at Flinders University, Australia, looked at 50 more recent trials involving almost 9000 participants in the latest review, published in Cochrane.

Professor Jonathan Craig, of Flinders University, said: ‘This is a review of the totality of the evidence and as new evidence emerges, new findings might occur.

‘In this case, the new evidence shows a very positive finding that cranberry juice can prevent UTI in susceptible people.’

UTIs are common and can affect the urinary tract, bladder and kidneys, with symptoms including burning when peeing and needing to go more often.

They are often treated with a short course of antibiotics although they are not always needed.

Researchers warned the berries cannot cure an established UTI, so anyone who gets one must seek help from a GP or pharmacist.

Dr Gabrielle Williams, who led the study, said: ‘UTIs are horrible and very common – about a third of women will experience one, as will many elderly people and also people with bladder issues from spinal cord injury or other conditions.

‘Even back in 1973, my mum was told to try cranberry juice to prevent her horrible and frequent UTIs, and for her it’s been a saviour.

‘Despite me niggling in her ear about evidence, she’s continued to take it daily, first as the nasty sour juice and in recent years, the easy to swallow capsules. As soon as she stops, wham the symptoms are back.

‘As usual, it turns out that mum was right! Cranberry products can help some women prevent UTIs.’