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low MW compound specifically inhibited the activity of a common strain of E. coli associated with UTIs. The low MW compound has been identified and constitutes the fructose component of the juice where it is believed to interfere with the mannose-specific lectin on the E.coli wall binding to the reception site on the epithelial cell surface. |
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Fructose itself had no inhibitory action on the other strain of E. coli with UTI implications; however, the high MW compound found in cranberry juice was found to profoundly inhibit them. Fructose-enriched cranberry juice therefore has the potential to inhibit the attachment of both types of E. coli which are most commonly associated with UTI. |
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In vivo studies with cranberry juice. In the first major study of the use of cranberry juice in treating UTI, it was found that 32 patients out of 60 showed a positive clinical response, 12 were moderately improved and 16 showed no improvement. |
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Further studies found that between 12 and 30 ounces of raw unpasteurized cranberry juice daily was a good preventive treatment for many types of urinary tract infections. On further study, it was found that there was statistically significant anti-adherence activity in human urine from 1 to 3 hours after drinking a 25 percent dilution of fructose-enriched cranberry juice. |
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In order for bacteria to infect, they must first adhere to the mucosa. By interfering with adherence, cranberry juice greatly reduces the likelihood of infection and helps the body fight off infection. This is the most likely explanation of the positive effects of cranberry juice in bladder infections. |
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In studies, the anti-adherence compounds secreted in the urine were very similar to the original cranberry juice mix, indicating these factors moved easily from the digestive system, through the bloodstream and out into the urinary |
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