Cranberry Extract (36 mg PACs)
Also known as: Vaccinium macrocarpon extract, cranberry PAC, cranberry proanthocyanidins, cranberry fruit powder
Cranberry extract is prepared from the whole fruit or juice of Vaccinium macrocarpon and is characterized by A-type proanthocyanidins (PACs) that are studied for anti-adhesion activity against bacteria in the urinary tract. Quality extracts are standardized to deliver 36 mg of PACs per daily serving, the amount used in the multicenter dose-ranging study that defined the modern benchmark. It is a core ingredient in urinary health formulas and is often combined with D-mannose.
Research summary
A-type proanthocyanidins studied for reducing adhesion of E. coli to the urinary tract lining.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of extract.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 mg | 250–500 mg | — | — |
Extract dose depends on PAC concentration: 250 to 500 mg of extract should be standardized to supply 36 mg PACs per daily serving. Split dosing (morning and evening) was used in the dose-ranging trial. Specify the PAC assay (DMAC/A2) on the specification.
Standardization: 36 mg proanthocyanidins per serving (DMAC/A2 method)
Source material: whole fruit or juice extract
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Tart and red; works well in gummies and drink powders.
Formulation notes
Commonly paired with D-mannose. Acidic; check pH sensitivity of probiotics in the same product.
Sources
- Dosage effect on uropathogenic Escherichia coli anti-adhesion activity in urine following consumption of cranberry powder standardized for proanthocyanidin content: a multicentric randomized double blind study. (Howell AB 2010)PubMed
- Consumption of cranberry as adjuvant therapy for urinary tract infections in susceptible populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis. (Xia JY 2021)PubMed
Related ingredients
Probiotic Blend (Multi-Strain)
ProbioticA generic placeholder for a multi-strain probiotic blend, typically combining several Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species and sometimes Streptococcus thermophilus or a Bacillus spore.
Typical: 10–50 B CFU
Greens Blend (Generic)
OtherA generic greens blend is a placeholder for the dried plant powders typical of greens products: cereal grasses such as wheatgrass and barley grass, spirulina and chlorella, leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, and often fruit or vegetable extracts.
Typical: 3–10 g
D-Mannose
OtherD-mannose is a naturally occurring simple sugar related to glucose, found in cranberries and other fruits and made commercially from corn or wood sugars.
Typical: 1–2 g
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)
VitaminThe form of vitamin D the body makes from sunlight and the most effective supplemental form for raising blood levels.
Typical: 1,000–2,000 IU
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
VitaminAscorbic acid is the reference form of vitamin C and the most common form in supplements; NIH ODS notes its bioavailability equals that of vitamin C naturally present in food.
Typical: 250–1,000 mg