A recent study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, a peer-reviewed publication considered to be among the foremost in antimicrobial research, has shown that the administration of Cran-Max®, a proprietary cranberry concentrate, was comparable to the commonly prescribed antibiotic, trimethoprim, for the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections in older women.

This randomized, controlled clinical trial enrolled 137 women who experienced two or more antibiotic-treated UTIs in the previous 12 months. They were randomized to receive either 500 mg of Cran-Max or 100 mg of trimethoprim for six months. The researchers found that the time to first recurrence of UTI was not significantly different between the groups. Lead researcher Marion E.T. McMurdo concluded:

 “Our trial is the first to evaluate cranberry (Cran-Max) in the prevention of recurrent UTIs specifically in older women, and the first head-to-head double-blind comparison of cranberry versus antibiotic prophylaxis. Trimethoprim had a very limited advantage over cranberry extract (Cran-Max) in the prevention of recurrent UTIs in older women and had more adverse effects.”

According to Sherry Torkos, pharmacist and author of The Benefits of Berries, “This is a landmark study for Cran-Max and the nutritional supplement industry demonstrating the benefits of a natural product for prevention. Prevention of UTI with antibiotics is effective but undesirable due to side effects (most commonly diarrhea, upset stomach and yeast infection). In some cases, a potentially fatal superinfection with the bacteria Clostridium difficile can occur due to antibiotic use.”

“Antimicrobial resistance is another concern,” said torkos. “In fact, resistance to trimethoprim in bacteria causing UTIs has been steadily increasing in Northern European and American countries from 10 to 15% in the 1970s to about 24% in 2004.”

Dean Mosca, President of Proprietary Nutritionals, Inc., marketer of Cran-Max, said “This study is extremely significant because it comes at a time when more women and men prone to UTIs are becoming resistant to, or fearful, of treatment with antibiotics and are seeking natural products. There’s also a great cost advantage to consumers. A 30-day supply of Cran-Max is a small fraction of the cost of trimethoprim.”

“This study comes on the heels of another landmark study sponsored by an EU Government Agency that commenced in 2005 on 560 women (18yrs and older) which will be completed this month,” added Mosca. “It compares Cran-Max to a 480mg dose of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for a one-year period. A comprehensive body of science is developing for Cran-Max as an efficacious, recommended UTI preventative by medical professionals,” he said. “In fact, Cran-Max is recognized in registered Continuing Education programs for Pharmacists in US and Canada.”

Urinary tract infections are the most common infection in older adults, and the second most common infection in women. UTIs are not only painful and inconvenient but they account for the leading cause of lost work days for women.

About Cran-Max:
Cran-Max proprietary cranberry extract from PNI is the most widely studied cranberry supplement available. Several clinical studies have shown that it is helpful for the prevention of UTIs. Cran-Max is unique from other products because it is a whole-berry supplement. It is made with a proprietary process that utilizes all the vital parts of the cranberry: skin, seeds, pulp, juice and fiber. Cran-Max does not contain any solvents, preservatives, sugars, water, flavorings or color.  The advantages of Cran-Max over cranberry juice include less expensive, more convenient, less sugar and fewer calories. Recommended dosage is 500 mg daily for prevention.

About PNI:
Proprietary Nutritionals, Inc., a subsidiary of  Pharmachem Laboratories, Inc.,  Kearny, NJ, markets Cran-Max and other scientifically based, proprietary ingredients to the nutraceuticals marketplace including Celadrin®, Benexia Chia™, Perluxan®, Phase 2®, Lactium®, and the Berry-Max™ line of berry concentrates. Effective January 1, 2009, Sytrinol® Heart Health will be added to the portfolio. For further information, visit, www.cranmaxinfo.com, or email dean@pnibrands.com.