"A thorough review of dozens of studies led scientists to conclude that healthcare professionals should be telling their patients to have cranberry products as a first step in reducing recurrent UTIs. The comprehensive metaanalysis and assessment of human clinical trials published in the official journal of the American Urological Association The Journal of Urology assures practitioners and their patients that cranberry products are a low cost low risk and effective way to help prevent recurrent UTIs.  To answer the question Can Cranberries Contribute to Reduce the Incidence of Urinary Tract Infections a total of  studies showing results from nearly  patients were considered. Authors found a statistically significant risk reduction in repeat UTIs overall but not significant for any particular subgroup. However patients with recurrent UTIs who ingested cranberry products and had undergone gynecological surgery experienced a significant reduction in UTIs.  Our investigation supports that cranberry products can be a powerful tool to fight off frequent UTIs explains lead author Dr. ngelo Lus. While recommendations for dosage and duration of treatment require further study the efficacy of the medicinal properties of cranberry products has been wellestablished. The review explains that the medicinal properties of cranberries may be attributed to their unique polyphenol proanthocyanidins  or PACs for short. Their ability to keep infectioncausing bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls may be the major reason for their effectiveness in limiting infection growth and recurrence.  According to the authors scientists and practitioners continue to explore the use of alternative therapies in the prevention of common infections as part of the global movement to reduce antibiotic use and resistance. It is estimated that one third of women in the United States will get a UTI by the age of .  Findings like this adds Dr. Luis give practitioners a viable inexpensive nonantibiotic option to help patients reduce the recurrence of an uncomfortable and potentially debilitating infection.  As one of the oldest alternative therapies and U.S.born berries independent research such as this not only provides public health benefits it revitalizes the enthusiasm for cranberry products yearround. The industry appreciates the efforts of these researchers and takes pride in the healthy attributes that cranberry products provide to consumers around the world comments Terry Humfeld executive director of the nonprofit research and educationfocused organization The Cranberry Institute. This review was funded by Universidade da Beira Interior and bank SantanderTotta protocol postdoctoral research fellowship BIPDICIFCBSTUBI  L. About the Cranberry Institute  The Cranberry Institute is a notforprofit organization founded in  to further the success of cranberry growers and the industry in the Americas through health agricultural and environmental stewardship research as well as cranberry promotion and education. The Cranberry Institute is funded voluntarily by Supporting Members that handle process and sell cranberries. Supporting Members are represented in national and international regulatory matters and research efforts are done on their behalf. For more information about the Cranberry Institute along with the health benefits of cranberries and current scientific research visit http  References  . Luis A Domingues F and Pereira L. Can cranberries contribute to reduce the incidence of urinary tract infections A systematic review with metaanalysis and trial sequential analysis of clinical trials. J Urol  .  . Foxman B Barlow R DArcy H Gillespie B and Sobel JD. Urinary tract infection selfreported incidence and associated costs. Ann Epidemiol"