Apple vs Cranberry Juice for UTI Prevention in Healthy Women

Overseen By Shuhan Li, Master

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Florida

Disqualifiers: Obesity, Pregnancy, Smoking, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 3 weeks

160 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Clinical trials on cranberry juice and UTI prevention yielded both positive and negative results for unknown reason. Gut microbiome in women affect the absorption and metabolism of cranberry bioactives. The variation of gut microbiome is a probable mechanism for metabolic polymorphisms and disparity in UTI prevention in women.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial excludes participants who take medications that might influence the study's outcome, so you may need to stop certain medications. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the trial team.

What data supports the effectiveness of this treatment for UTI prevention?

Research shows that cranberry juice can help reduce bacteria in the urine and lower the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women. Several studies have found that regular consumption of cranberry juice may prevent UTIs by stopping bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is cranberry juice safe for humans?

Cranberry juice is generally safe for humans, but some people may experience side effects like gastrointestinal upset. In clinical trials, side effects were common, and many participants withdrew from studies due to these issues. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

How does cranberry juice differ from other treatments for preventing UTIs?

Cranberry juice is unique because it contains compounds that prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract, which is different from antibiotics that kill bacteria directly. This makes it a potential alternative for those who want to avoid antibiotics and their associated resistance issues. ^{7 8 9 10 11}

Research Team

Liwei Gu, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Florida

Gary P Wang, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Florida

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for healthy women with a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and 29.9, weighing at least 110 pounds. It's not suitable for those on medications that could affect the study results, pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with significant health issues, smokers, or frequent alcohol users.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a healthy woman.

I am a healthy woman.

Your body mass index (BMI) falls within a healthy range, which is typically between 18.5 and 29.9 kg/m2.

Exclusion Criteria

You smoke regularly or drink alcohol frequently.

You are pregnant or currently breastfeeding.

You have a medical condition that may make it difficult to understand or interpret the study results.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants consume either cranberry juice or apple juice daily for 3 weeks

3 weeks

Weekly visits for sample collection

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in gut microbiome and urinary biomarkers after treatment

4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Apple juice
• Cranberry juice

Trial Overview The study is examining how apple juice and cranberry juice might influence urinary tract infection (UTI) susceptibility in women by looking at their gut microbiome. The goal is to understand why cranberry juice has had mixed results in preventing UTIs.

Participant Groups

Group I: Cranberry juice consumption Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants deemed as responders and non-responders will be given 20-30 oz (590-885 mL) of cranberry juice daily for 3 weeks.

Group II: Apple juice consumption Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants deemed as responders and non-responders will be given 20-30 oz (590-885 mL) apple juice with matching sugar and calories daily for 3 weeks.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Florida

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,428

Recruited

987,000+

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Collaborator

Trials

103

Recruited

287,000+

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Reduction of bacteriuria and pyuria after ingestion of cranberry juice. [2019]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Does cranberry extract reduce antibiotic use for symptoms of acute uncomplicated urinary tract infections (CUTI)? A feasibility randomised trial. [2021]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Recurrent urinary tract infection and urinary Escherichia coli in women ingesting cranberry juice daily: a randomized controlled trial. [2021]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Daily cranberry juice for the prevention of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy: a randomized, controlled pilot study. [2022]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cranberry capsules to prevent nosocomial urinary tract bacteriuria after pelvic surgery: a randomised controlled trial. [2022]

6. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A systematic review of the evidence for cranberries and blueberries in UTI prevention. [2018]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The role of cranberry juice in the treatment of urinary tract infections. [2019]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Overview on cranberry and urinary tract infections in females. [2010]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cranberry juice and urinary tract infection. [2022]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effectiveness of cranberry products to reduce urinary tract infections in females: a literature review. [2013]

11. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cranberry juice and bacterial colonization in children--a placebo-controlled randomized trial. [2006]