|
While very few contraindications or complications were
noted in the literature regarding cranberry juice consumption, several possible
side effects were noted. These include:
Complications
Contraindications
Complications
Nephrolithiasis
In a recent study, five volunteers in good health were given cranberry tablets
for seven days. During this time the patients’ urinary oxalate levels, a main
cause of kidney stones, increased by 43.4%. A rise in ionic
calcium, phosphate, and sodium was also discovered, which could further increase
a patient’s risk for developing kidney stones. Fortunately, the study also
found that magnesium and potassium levels increased concurrently, which may work
to offset the increase in nephrolithiasis risk. Previous studies have shown
that just thirty milliliters of cranberry juice can help prevent UTIs in the
elderly. Unfortunately, this volume contains 1.89 mg of oxalate, which
represents a medium to high dose of the compound. The average cranberry tablet
claims to have a much higher concentration of cranberry and in turn oxalate,
which may lead to more than a 142% increase in the normal dietary intake of
oxalate if taken regularly and which theoretically could cause a significant
increase in patient’s risk of nephrolithiasis.
Diarrhea / Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Large quantities of cranberry juice consumption may lead to loose stools.
UTI
Some patients believe that drinking cranberry juice will cure an already
existing UTI. This is yet to be proven. If symptoms or signs of a UTI develop,
patients should see their physicians. Some herbalists do recommend taking 10-32
oz of concentrated cranberry juice daily to treat UTIs.
Urinary Obstruction
While some literature noted this as a relative contraindication to cranberry
juice consumption, other sources noted the possibility of cranberry juice
helping in this situation, although no scientific studies have proven this
association.
Contraindications
Warning to Diabetics
The high sugar content of cranberry juice should be considered by diabetics
before using it as a preventative approach for UTI prevention. Sugarfree
brands of cranberry juice are available.
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy/Urinary Obstruction
Use cautiously
No known drug contraindications
|
