Now Maximum Strength Cranberry Extract - 90 V-Caps

CRANBERRYhas become an essential element in the promotion of sound urinary tract health.

Maximum Strength Standardized Cranberry Extract from NOWis naturally rich in powerful compounds called proanthocyanidins (OPC's). These OPC's discourage harmful bacteria from clinging to the lining of the urinary tract. If ignored, these bacteria can lead to the formation of a hostile environment prone to infection and unhealthy bacterial growth.

Are Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) a common problem?

UTI is a common infection that effects more women than men. National Kidney and Urological Diseases Statistics for the United States of America show that between 1988 and 1994 an estimated 34% of adults 20 years old and up (61 million people) self-reported having at least one UTI. More recent statistics also state that up to 60% of women will suffer a UTI sometime in their life, with one third of them experiencing a recurrence during the following year.

What causes these recurring UTIs?

Infectious bacteria enter the opening of the urethra and begin to multiply, and the infection begins. Unless immediately removed, the bacteria migrate upward, causing a bladder infection. If left untreated, the infectious bacteria can cause damage to the ureters and the kidneys. E. coli is the bacteria responsible for about 80% of UTIs in adults. The high rate of recurrence may be partly due to antibiotic resistant strains of E. coli formed by overuse of antibiotic medications.

How do cranberries help support urinary tract health?

Cranberries contain compounds that have the ability to prevent E. coli bacteria from sticking to the surface tissues of the urinary tract, short-circuiting the infection process. It was once believed that cranberries' mechanism of action was limited to acidifying the urine and actually killing bacteria. Recent scientific studies suggest that there's more to Cranberry than just pH lowering.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (339:15, 1085-1086, 1998) has shown that certain tannins found in Cranberry juice called proanthocyanidins (OPCs) are actually responsible for inhibiting E. coli bacteria from adhering to the surface of the urinary tract. This causes the bacteria to be suspended in the urine to be flushed down the drain. NOW's Cranberry Maximum Strengthcontains one gram of Cranberry solids per serving, which has been shown to be an effective dose.

Cranberries also contain a natural sugar called d-Mannose, which enhance the actions of cranberries to inhibit the formation of bacterial colonies on the urinary tract surfaces. However, though cranberry may help the body to control the spread of colonies, it is unlikely to remove already-existing bacterial colonies that may have formed on those surfaces in the urinary tract. Mannose is available from NOW as a separate supplement, too, for those seeking to maximize their intake of this nutrient

What is the purpose of the Uva Ursi and the Grapeseed extracts?

Uva ursi contains a component called 'arbutin' that releases a substance that may inhibit E. coli bacteria. Grapeseed is high in polyphenols and adds to the OPC content of the cranberries in this formula.