Cranberry Health News

Fall 2019

Volume 16 — Issue 2

In this issue:

With cooler weather, fall foliage and – of course – cranberry season upon us, we are excited to share our updates with you this fall. The Cranberry Institute kicked-off the season by exhibiting at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE) in Philadelphia! Attended by over 10,000 registered dietitians (RDs), we shared the latest in cranberry health science and distributed educational resources.

We heard from many RDs about how they use cranberries in their favorite recipes and in their practice. One dietitian shared a story of implementing cranberry product order writing in her facility to help lower rates of UTIs, as well as reduce cost. The Cranberry Institute was able to share our latest resources promoting the American Urological Association Guidelines, recipes and more!

Read on for the latest in cranberry and health research, as well as more on our resources and delicious cranberry recipes.

News Update

The Cranberry Institute board of directors is pleased to announce that William “Bill” Frantz has joined the Institute as its new Executive Director. His hiring is the result of an extensive search process by the board of directors to replace current CI Executive Director Terry Humfeld who will retire at the end of the year after nine years of service to the cranberry industry. Frantz has an extensive knowledge of agriculture and particularly cranberries, having spent over 30 years in the industry. Bill can be reached at bfrantz@cranberryinstitute.org.

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Cranberries and Human Health

American Urological Association releases New UTI Guidelines

Guidelines for Recurrent Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections in Women: AUA/CUA/SUFU Guideline (2019) were recently released by American Urological Association (AUA), in combination with the Canadian Urological Association and Society of Urodyamincs, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU). A panel of urologists with the AUA/CUA/SUFU released guidelines that indicate cranberry products, in juice and tablet form, may be used as a non-antibiotic prophylactic option for those affected by recurrent UTIs. The guidelines for clinicians provide a treatment algorithm roadmap that lists cranberry as a suggested preventive measure.

Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem worldwide. In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance proclaiming its dedication to combat the rise of antibiotic resistance. This publication has driven demand for research on non-antibiotic preventive methods for recurrent UTIs and suggests that cranberry products may be a part of the solution.

Cranberries and Your Health: What the Latest Research Shows

With sponsorship support from the British Columbia Cranberry Marketing Committee, Dr. Amy Howell presented research about the health benefits of cranberries in Philadelphia to 110 Registered Dietitians.

Cranberry has distinguished itself as a functional food with potent health benefits. It has a rich folklore history of use as an antimicrobial, especially for prevention of urinary tract infections. This little red berry is gaining attention in the research world for having a broad array of benefits, including compelling effects on the gut microbiome, which have been shown to influence cardiovascular and diabetic risk factors. The bacterial anti-adhesion effects of cranberry are not limited to prevention of urinary tract health but extend to the stomach for control of ulcer-causing bacteria and to the oral cavity for positive effects on periodontal disease.The influence of antibiotic resistance and prescribing of antibiotics to treat these bacterial infections was discussed along with how including cranberry in the diet as a preventative could reduce the pace of resistance development. The way that cranberry is consumed (dosage and product form) can influence the overall bioactivity and resulting health benefits.

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Cranberry Polyphenols: Natural Weapons against Dental Caries

Bioactive components of the American cranberry (Vaccimium macrocarpon) are thought to weaken several pathways to cariogenesis. This recent review highlights the effect cranberry polyphenols have on enzymes and proteins, as well as the environment, known to increase risk for dental caries. Laboratory studies suggest flavonoids present in cranberries such as quercetin, myricetin, kaempferol and a-linked proanthocyanidins have a role in limiting plaque production, decreasing acid promotion and interfering with the ability of bacteria to thrive in low pH environments. Clinical research is necessary to determine if the anticipated preventive properties of cranberry products translate to cavity prevention in high-risk individuals and populations.

Philip, N, Walsh, LJ. Cranberry polyphenols: natural weapons against dental caries. Dent J. 2019; 7 (20).

Whole-Body Health Benefits at your Fingertips

To stay up-to-date with cranberry health science, visit the Cranberry Health Research Library. The Library is your source for research abstracts and references categorized by topic areas. The whole-body investigations include the study of cranberries and the health of the urinary tract, heart and gut. Studies also explore cranberry’s role in cancer prevention, glucose metabolism and inflammation. 

The Cranberry Chronicles

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Discover our latest comprehensive chronicle of cranberry’s existing and emerging whole-body health benefits.

The Cranberry Chronicles are consistently updated with breaking scientific abstracts, articles, sharable resources, infographics and story ideas. You’ve probably heard that cranberries may help prevent UTIs, but did you know they may affect heart health, help reduce inflammation, influence the gut microbiota and play a role in glucose metabolism?!

Learn more by reading The Cranberry Chronicles – and check out our newest resources – handouts and shareable graphic!

Cooking Up Cranberries

With Thanksgiving and the holiday season right around the corner, here are some recipes from our Cranberry Bog Bloggers to inspire your entertaining menu!

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Roasted Sweet Potato Kale Salad

Savor fall flavors of cranberries and roasted sweet potatoes in this colorful side-dish from Chef Julie Harrington, RD.

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Winter Harvest Cheeseboard

Tart cranberries are the perfect pair for this crowd-pleasing cheeseboard by Bog Blogger Kristina Todini, RDN, Fork in the Road.

Stay Connected!

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 Follow us on Twitter @CranInstitute for updates on cranberry research, recipes and fun facts!