The therapeutic value of cranberries in treating and preventing urinary tract infections.

Studies bearing on the therapeutic value of cranberries in the prevention and/or treatment of urinary tract infections are reviewed. Research results are grouped to address the following questions: 1) Does cranberry juice ingestion acidify urine? 2) Does cranberry juice inhibit the adherence of bacteria to bladder cells? 3) What research evidence exists to support that cranberry juice is an effective intervention for urinary tract infections? And 4) Does cranberry ingestion enhance antibiotic effectiveness?