Our method
Welcome to our big cranberry capsule test 2021. Here we present all the cranberry capsules we have tested. We have compiled detailed background information and added a summary of customer reviews on the internet.
We would like to make your purchase decision easier and help you find the right cranberry capsules for you.
You will also find answers to frequently asked questions in our guide. If available, we also offer interesting test videos. Furthermore, you will also find some important information on this page that you should be aware of if you want to buy cranberry capsules.
Contents
- 1 Weekly newsletter with the best personal finance tips
- 2 Summary
- 3 The Best Cranberry Capsules: Our Picks
- 4 Advice: Questions you should ask yourself before buying cranberry capsules
- 5 Decision: What types of cranberry capsules are available and which is right for you?
- 6 Buying criteria: Use these factors to compare and evaluate cranberry capsules
- 7 Facts worth knowing about cranberry capsules
Summary
- Cranberry capsules are mainly used to prevent and treat bladder infections.
- You can enjoy the benefits of cranberries in the form of capsules, tablets and juice.
- Science is not in agreement about the effects of cranberries. Nevertheless, there are numerous studies that confirm a positive effect on the body.
The Best Cranberry Capsules: Our Picks
Advice: Questions you should ask yourself before buying cranberry capsules
What are cranberries?
Its original home is North America. Today it is also found in Europe and Asia. The cranberry can be eaten fresh, dried or prepared as juice.
The cranberry was already used by the indigenous people for medicinal purposes. For example, it was used as a wound dressing to prevent inflammation. Its juice was used to preserve food and dye clothes.
When and why should you take cranberry capsules?
We have listed a number of reasons why cranberries are a good choice:
- Pregnancy
- Preventing and combating cystitis
- Protection of the heart
Below we will tell you about the effects:
During pregnancy
Due to changes in hormone levels, the urinary tract widens during pregnancy. Bacteria can now enter the urethra much more easily and even cause inflammation in the uterus.
Women are therefore particularly susceptible to bladder infections during this time. It makes sense to prevent bladder infections during this time.
Some advise against taking cranberry preparations during pregnancy because of concerns about health consequences. However, a Norwegian study was able to ensure that there are no health concerns in taking cranberry capsules during pregnancy. (1)
In case of cystitis
Most bladder infections are caused by E. coli bacteria. According to researchers in the USA, A-proanthocyanidins are particularly effective in fighting E. coli bacteria. This substance is found in cranberries.
Even though the effect of cranberries is controversial, many studies have shown that cranberries are helpful in fighting bladder infections and promoting the healing process. (2)
Protection of the heart
Korean nutrition experts suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of cranberries have other benefits. They may reduce cardiovascular risk.
What's in cranberries?
It also contains organic acids, which help the vitamins and minerals to remain in the fruit for a long time after harvesting.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of cranberry capsules?
Cranberry capsules are good for protecting the immune system. Cranberry extract contains many vitamins, such as vitamin C, as an antioxidant to boost the immune system.
Cranberries can also be helpful for gastrointestinal problems caused by taking medication.
Cranberries can replace a time-consuming intestinal cleanse by preventing bacteria from settling on the stomach lining and causing inflammation. (3)
Scientific studies also show a positive effect of cranberry products on the prostate. Unlike synthetic medicines, their ingredients are completely natural and free of any side effects. (4)
Scientific studies also show that the cranberry makes the vessels supple again in cases of arteriosclerosis. Vascular function is significantly improved when a cranberry product is ingested daily. (5)
Cranberries contain tannins. Not all people tolerate these well. For this reason, cranberries can occasionally lead to intolerances.
These manifest themselves in the form of abdominal pain. Stopping the capsules is sufficient to counteract the symptoms.
Patients with kidney stones should also refrain from taking the cranberry capsules. Observations have shown that regular intake can promote the formation of new kidney stones.
Cranberry capsules can be relatively expensive. Especially with long-term use, certain preparations can become too expensive in the long run. For this reason, you should make sure that you choose cranberry capsules with the right price-performance ratio.
How do I dose cranberry capsules?
There is no generally valid method for determining this value. This means that you should follow the manufacturer's recommendations when asking about the dosage, as every product is different.
What are the alternatives to cranberry capsules?
The difference to capsules and tablets lies on the one hand in the taste. Many people find the taste of cranberry juice unpleasant. This makes it difficult for them to take the daily dose they need.
Another point is the sugar content. 750 ml of cranberry juice contains 90 g of sugar. 750 ml of cranberry juice has around 345 kcal, a large amount for the daily intake.
Decision: What types of cranberry capsules are available and which is right for you?
The cranberry ingredient comes in different forms. As a food supplement, capsules and tablets are the most common form.
- Cranberry capsules
- Cranberry tablets
The effect is basically the same. Nevertheless, the differences bring different advantages and disadvantages for you.
What distinguishes cranberry capsules and what are the advantages and disadvantages?
Capsules are particularly popular among food supplements because the shell is first broken down in the body and the substance is absorbed in the small intestine. This is easy on the stomach, but also means that the substance is absorbed more slowly by the body.
Due to the smooth surface, capsules are particularly easy to take and do not emit an unpleasant taste.
Another advantage is that the capsule shell can be easily broken open. This makes it possible to mix the contents with shakes or other drinks.
The production of capsules is usually a bit more complicated than the production of tablets. For this reason, capsules often cost a little more.
In addition, capsules are permeable to air. This means that they do not have a long shelf life.
Capsules are often made from gelatine and are not vegan. Vegans should be aware of this. You will usually find this information on the packaging.
What distinguishes cranberry tablets and what are their advantages and disadvantages?
In general, tablets are cheap to produce, have a long shelf life and are tasteless. This makes them a popular form.
In the production process, powder and granules are compressed under high pressure and thus obtain the familiar tablet form.
When taking cranberry tablets, remember to wash them down with plenty of water. This prevents the tablet from sticking in the oesophagus.
Tablets can be absorbed by the body relatively quickly. However, due to the lack of a coating, tablets can put a strain on the stomach.
The intake of tablets is also not versatile. If you want to mix them with shakes, for example, they first have to be crushed.
Buying criteria: Use these factors to compare and evaluate cranberry capsules
When buying cranberry capsules, you can look at various criteria to find the right capsules for you:
- Dosage
- Supplement
- Price-performance ratio
- Suitable for vegans, vegetarians
In the following we would like to explain the individual points in more detail:
Dosage
The question of dosage is important when making a purchase decision. When comparing prices, you should always pay attention to the dose of the active ingredient and the recommended amount on the packaging.
Additives
Many dietary supplements often have other additives, such as vitamins, in their preparations.
Cranberry capsules often contain vitamin C, D-mannose or L-methionine. This could be of interest to you if you are already taking additional nutrients.
Price-performance ratio
The price range for cranberry capsules is enormous. There are many suppliers on the market with different offers. You should find the right amount for you at a reasonable price.
Under the heading What do cranberry capsules cost, we have listed the average prices.
Suitability for vegans, vegetarians
Capsules are often made from gelatine and are not vegan. However, you can also find vegan versions. You do not have to take tablets. You will find the information on the packaging.
The following table summarises all the purchase criteria mentioned and shows which points should be considered.
| Purchase criterion | Reason |
|---|---|
| Dosage | The dose differs from manufacturer to manufacturer. |
| Additives | Many manufacturers add further nutrients. |
| Price-performance ratio | The price range for cranberry capsules is enormous. |
| Suitability for vegans/vegetarians | Cranberry capsules are often made from gelatine and are not vegan. |
Facts worth knowing about cranberry capsules
How can I make cranberry compote myself?
A cranberry compote is simple, quick and tastes particularly good with game. Cheese dishes and schnitzel. We have picked out a quick and easy recipe for you (youtube.de / CALLEkocht - Omas Rezepte):
- Caramelise 3 tablespoons of honey in a pan.
- Add 300 g cranberries.
- Add 100 ml water.
- Simmer for 5 min.
Is the effect of cranberry capsules scientifically proven?
The effect of cranberries has been studied many times. Researchers are not in agreement.
Some clinical studies show that taking cranberries can effectively prevent urinary tract infections. However, other studies have shown that the effect is only seen in young women, not in older people or men.
It has been shown that the active ingredient in cranberries prevents bacteria from adhering to the surface of the urethra.
According to the journal Caries Research, cranberries can reduce the formation of plaque.
Problematic in studies of the effect are the varying amounts given to subjects. It can make a difference how high the dose of the active ingredient is and in what form it is administered.
How can I prevent cystitis?
In addition to taking cranberry products, there are several things you can do to prevent cystitis. We will introduce you to some of these measures in more detail.
After sexual intercourse, more bacteria enter the urethra, so it is advised to go to the toilet and urinate afterwards. The choice of contraceptive can also have an influence.
Sperm-killing drugs can make it easier to get a bladder infection. If you suffer from cystitis frequently, changing your contraceptive may help.
- Urination after sexual intercourse
- Contraceptives
- Healthy diet
- Get enough sleep
- Avoiding stress
- Dressing warmly
- Antibiotics
To prevent inflammation in general, make sure you have a strong immune system. This includes a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, avoiding stress and, most importantly when it comes to bladder infections, dressing warmly!
If you suffer from cystitis very often, it is worth considering taking antibiotics over a longer period of time.
The optimal duration is still unclear, but women take antibiotics for 6-12 months on average. On average, taking antibiotics helps to reduce the number of bladder infections.
(Image source: unsplash.com / Larm Rmah)
References (5)
1.
Heitmann K, Nordeng H, Holst L. Pregnancy outcome after use of cranberry in pregnancy--the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2013 Dec 7;13:345.
Source
2.
Di Martino P, Agniel R, David K, Templer C, Gaillard JL, Denys P, Botto H. Reduction of Escherichia coli adherence to uroepithelial bladder cells after consumption of cranberry juice: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled cross-over trial. World J Urol. 2006 Feb;24(1):21-7. Epub 2006 Jan 6.
Source
3.
Y. T. Lin, Y. I. Kwon, R. G. Labbe, and K. Shetty. Inhibition of Helicobacter pylori and Associated Urease by Oregano and Cranberry Phytochemical Synergies. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2005 Dec; 71(12): 8558–8564.
Source
4.
Vidlar A, Vostalova J, Ulrichova J, Student V, Stejskal D, Reichenbach R, Vrbkova J, Ruzicka F, Simanek V. The effectiveness of dried cranberries ( Vaccinium macrocarpon) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms. Br J Nutr. 2010 Oct;104(8):1181-9.
Source
5.
Mustali M Dohadwala, Monika Holbrook, Naomi M Hamburg, Sherene M Shenouda, William B Chung, Megan Titas, Matthew A Kluge, Na Wang, Joseph Palmisano, Paul E Milbury, Jeffrey B Blumberg, Joseph A Vita. Effects of cranberry juice consumption on vascular function in patients with coronary artery disease. Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 May; 93(5): 934–940.
Source
