Do cranberry pills help fertility? Taking cranberry pills or juice may help you combat some factors of infertility such as oxidative stress, and urinary tract infections, as well as provide essential nutrients that can boost reproductive functions.
Are you considering cranberries as a natural remedy to boost your fertility? Could say that cranberry fertility benefits stem from its rich source of vitamins A, C, and E, and compounds like quercetin including other phytonutrients that may help improve reproductive function. However, there are indications that cranberry pills may interact with certain medications.
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This article provides a science-based view on cranberry fertility benefits, It answers the questions, “Do cranberry pills help fertility?”, nutrient values, possible health risks, and side effects.
Cranberry Nutrition
| Cranberry juice, unsweetened (100g) | ||
| Name | Amount | Unit |
| Water | 87.1 | g |
| Energy | 46 | kcal |
| Energy | 194 | kJ |
| Protein | 0.39 | g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.13 | g |
| Ash | 0.15 | g |
| Carbohydrate | 12.2 | g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.1 | g |
| Sugars | 12.1 | g |
| Calcium, Ca | 8 | mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.25 | mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 6 | mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 13 | mg |
| Potassium, K | 77 | mg |
| Sodium, Na | 2 | mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.1 | mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.055 | mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.1 | µg |
| Vitamin C, acid | 9.3 | mg |
| Thiamin | 0.009 | mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.018 | mg |
| Niacin | 0.091 | mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.052 | mg |
| Folate, total | 1 | µg |
| Folate, food | 1 | µg |
| Folate, DFE | 1 | µg |
| Choline, total | 3.3 | mg |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 2 | µg |
| Carotene, beta | 27 | µg |
| Vitamin A, IU | 45 | IU |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 68 | µg |
| Vitamin E | 1.2 | mg |
| Vitamin K | 5.1 | µg |
| Source: FDC | ||
Cranberry pills are a dietary supplement that contains concentrated cranberry extract. They are rich sources of vitamins A C and E, minerals, and antioxidants. Some people believe that cranberry pills can help improve fertility. Also, consuming them may provide essential compounds that can improve your health. Cranberries are a type of berry that is native to North America.
How do cranberry pills affect fertility?
Cranberry pill a dietary supplement that contains concentrated Cranberries is thought to have compounds that may help prevent bacteria from sticking to the wall of the urinary tract. Infections caused by bacteria in the urinary tract can be a cause of infertility, so cranberry may help to improve fertility by preventing UTIs.
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Cranberry pills for fertility
Is there scientific evidence to support the use of cranberry pills for fertility? There is some scientific evidence to suggest that cranberries may indirectly help to improve fertility, but the evidence is limited. Here as some of them noted.
Protect against oxidative damages
Oxidative stress produced by free radicals is proven to be detrimental to fertility, as it can cause cellular damage and DNA alterations to reproduce gametes (female eggs and male sperm cells) [1, 2, 3].
Consuming cranberries may improve reproductive function thanks to its oxidative stress combating potentials attributed to its antioxidant properties, which can protect reproductive gametes from cellular damage and DNA alterations.
A study also found that cranberry extract contains vitamins A, C, and E with antioxidant properties [4, 5, 6] that may help to lower the impact of oxidative stress [7] and improve sperm motility, which is the ability of sperm to move.
Prevents urinary tract infections
Cranberries have an ancient history of being used as a potential remedy for the treatment of urinary tract infections. According study, Cranberries contain compounds that can stop bacteria from sticking on the walls of the bladder hence lowering your chances of having urinary tract infections (UTIs) [8].
According to FDC, the best form of cranberry extract you can ever take is the unsweetened, pure cranberry juice which is a good source of vitamins A, C, and E [9].
Vitamins A, C, and E are antioxidants [4, 5, 6] that strengthen our body’s immunity in the fight against, Oxidative stress, and infection-causing bacteria.
Also, one anecdotal evidence found that women who eat cranberries regularly had a lower risk of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI).
There is also some scientific evidence from studies published in Pubmed [10, 11, 12, 13, 14] to suggest that cranberry may help to improve fertility. However, some of these studies and reviews recorded no significant effect [8] but suggest further research.
May Improve liver functions
The liver plays an important role in fertility by metabolizing hormones, removing toxins, and producing bile [15]. Liver diseases, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and NAFLD, can damage the liver and affect fertility [16].
In men, the liver helps to produce testosterone, a hormone that is essential for sperm production [17]. A damaged or under-functioning liver can lead to low testosterone levels, which can affect sperm production and fertility.
In women, the liver helps to produce estrogen and progesterone, hormones that are essential for ovulation and pregnancy. A damaged or under-functioning liver can lead to low levels of these hormones, which can make it difficult to conceive.
Cranberry benefits for men and women
The potential benefits of cranberry for female fertility.
- Cranberries can help to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can affect fertility.
- Cranberries may also help to improve egg quality.
The potential benefits of cranberry for male fertility
- Cranberry may help to improve sperm motility and morphology.
- Cranberries may also help to reduce inflammation, which can affect sperm health.
However, more research is needed to confirm these findings. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that there is not enough evidence to recommend cranberry pills for improving fertility.
Risks and side effects
Science has not recorded any major side effects of consuming cranberry juice or pills. However, there are a few risks associated with taking cranberries that should not be overlooked:
Some people may experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, upset stomach, spikes in blood sugar. Hence experts recommend that a moderate intake of cranberry juice or extract is safe and healthy.
The recommended serving size of cranberry juice is 8 ounces per day.
Intake of Cranberry extract can also interact with blood-thinning medications. If you are taking blood thinners, or on cyclosporine and warfarin medication, talk to your doctor about whether or not you should limit or avoid cranberry juice.
Cranberry juice is high in oxalates, which can increase the risk of Health stones. If you have a history of kidney stones, you should limit your intake of cranberry juice.
Health benefits of cranberry:
Treats UTIs:
Cranberries contain compounds called proanthocyanidins (PACs), which can prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract. This can help prevent UTIs, especially in women who are prone to them.
Improves Oral health:
Cranberries can help prevent plaque buildup and gum disease. They also contain compounds that can kill harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Lowers Blood pressure:
Cranberry pills may help lower blood pressure by increasing the production of nitric oxide, a compound that relaxes blood vessels.
Lower risk of chronic diseases
Cranberry pills may also have other health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits.
Final thought
Cranberry pills are generally safe for most people and may have some health benefits, such as preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) and improving oral health. However, there is limited research on the effects of cranberry pills on fertility. Some studies have shown that cranberry extract may help improve sperm quality in men, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.
JC is passionate about finding the impact of foods (feeding habits) on human fertility and reproductive health and a way to improve fertility.
