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Cranberry PAC (A-type proanthocyanidins)

UTI prevention · Urinary tract · Women's health

Tier 2 — Promising

What it is

Specific type-A proanthocyanidins in cranberry prevent E. coli from adhering to bladder walls. A 2023 Cochrane review of 50 trials confirmed cranberry products reduce UTI recurrence by approximately 25% in women with recurrent UTIs. The key is getting at least 36 mg PACs per day — most juice products are too dilute. Capsules standardised to PAC content are most reliable.

Efficacy

3/5

Safety

5/5

Research

4/5

Onset

3/5

Cost

3/5

Drug-int.

5/5

Dose

36 mg/day type-A proanthocyanidins from standardised cranberry extract; juice cocktails are too dilute

Time of day & tips

Choose supplements standardised to at least 36 mg PACs per dose. Juice cocktails typically contain too little PAC and too much sugar. Take daily for prevention — not effective for treating active UTIs. Very safe for long-term use.

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