The Cranberry Connection: PACs and UTI Prevention

Proanthocyanidins or PACs, are tannins with a high antioxidant effect found in various plants including cranberries. PACs have many health benefits and their role in preventing UTIs is particularly significant.  

Basically, PACs interfere with the ability of E. coli (a common bacterial cause of UTIs) to stick to the walls of the urinary tract. They do this by altering the surface properties of the bacteria, which makes it more difficult for them to attach to the urinary tract cells.

This anti-adhesion effect is dose-dependent, which means higher levels of PACs are more effective in reducing the frequency and severity of UTIs.

The facts about PACs

PACs are classified as either A-type linkage PACs (from cranberry) or B-type linkage PACs from other plants. It is the A-type PACs that have the bacterial anti-adhesive effects.

The efficacy of cranberry products in preventing UTIs is closely linked to the concentration of PACs they contain. And not all cranberry products are created equal. The PAC content and quality can vary widely among different products. The key to quality and efficacy is ‘standardisation’.

Standardised products ensure a consistent dose of PACs.

Standardisation is important for achieving the correct therapeutic effect. Non-standardized products may have too little PAC to be effective. For example, dried, standardised cranberry has higher PAC levels than non-standardised dried cranberry, and cranberry sauces or juices. 

So it’s not the amount of cranberry consumed that counts, it is the standardisation of PACs derived from the cranberry that you need to look for. A higher dose of a poor quality, non-standardised cranberry won’t provide the level of A-type PACs shown in research to be effective.

Standardising cranberry products for PAC content not only ensures that they provide the expected health benefits, it addresses the variability in PAC levels that can occur due to differences in cranberry species, growing conditions, and processing methods.

The preventative dose

The dosage of 36mg A-type PACs from cranberry fruit extract is shown in research to reduce adherence and virulence of uropathic E. Coli and is recommended as preventative dose. For acute infection, 72 mg of A-type PACs is effective.

Our UT Cleanse has standardised PACs. UT Cleanse (28 capsules per bottle) contains 18mg A-type PACs per capsule (with other soothing, calming and supportive herbs). A dose of 2 capsules per day provides 36mg PACs (preventative) and 4 capsules per day provides 72mg PACs (for more acute).