NOW Foods, Cranberry Extract Standardized, 90 Vegetarian Capsules

Cranberry has become an essential element in the promotion of sound urinary tract health. Maximum Strength Standardized Cranberry Extract from NOW is 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.

Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 3 Vcaps
Amount Per Serving % Daily Value
Calories 6
Total Carbohydrates 1.5 g <1%
Dietary Fiber 0.5 g 2%
Sugars 0.5 g
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) (Fruit) 1.0 g (1,000) mg
(Standardized to min. 6% Quinic Acid and min. 7% OPC's)
Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) (Leaf) 300 mg
(Standardized to min. 20% Arbutin)
Grape Seed (Vitis vinifera) 45 mg
(Standardized to min. 90% Total Polyphenols)

Suggested Use:
As an herbal dietary supplement, take 3 Cranberry Vcaps daily.

Free of: sugar, salt, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, milk, egg or preservatives.
Other Ingredients: Cellulose (capsule), Maltodextrin (potato), Silica, Magnesium Stearate (vegetable source) and Cellulose.
Vegetarian Formula.

Cranberry Extract Clinical Strength FAQ

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 the years 1988 and 1994 an estimated 34% of adults 20 years old and up (61 million) 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 and if left untreated the infectious bacteria will cause more serious disease 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 in this country.

How does Cranberry 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 thereby short circuiting the infection process. It was once believed that Cranberries mechanism of action was limited to acidifying the urine thereby 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 thereby preventing infection by allowing the bacteria to be suspended in the urine and flushed down the drain. NOWs Clinical Strength Cranberry contains 1 gram of Cranberry solids per serving which has been shown to be an effective dose for UTI prevention.

What's the purpose of the Uva ursi and the Grapeseed extracts?
Uva ursi contains called arbutin that releases an anti-microbial substance that may kill some E.coli bacteria. Grapeseed is high in polyphenols and adds to the OPC content of this formula.