Recently I read news from the American Chemical Society that said that there is new scientific evidence on the effectiveness about that old folk remedy cranberry juice being effective tackling urinary tract infections.

A number of controlled clinical trials carefully designed and done in humans have concluded that cranberry juice really is effective for preventing urinary tract infections. Estimates suggest that urinary tract infections (UTIs) account for about 8 million medical visits each year. UTIs involve bacterial infections of the urinary tract and can occur anywhere between the urethra, the opening where urine is excreted from the body, and the kidney. Women are frequent victims, with at least 1 in 3 experiencing a UTI. Studies suggest that only half of women with UTIs seek medical care for the mildest symptoms, which include burning and urgency.

The scientists concluded that cranberry juice cocktail prevents E. coli from sticking to other bacteria and the surface of a plastic petri dish. E. coli adhere to those cells and work together to form a biofilm. The biofilm enables the bacteria to grow and multiply so that an infection can take root, continue, or become more severe. E. coli that doesn't stick has a better chance of being flushed out of the urinary track. The results suggest that the beneficial substances in cranberry juice could reach the urinary tract and prevent bacterial adhesion within 8 hours after consumption of cranberry juice.

Camesano expressed reservations about self-treating UTIs and said that individuals who suspect an infection should seek medical advice. UTIs can progress rapidly and, if left untreated with antibiotics, result in severe illness, especially in children, individuals with chronic health problems, and the elderly.

The study was among nearly 8,000 scientific reports scheduled for presentation at the meeting, one of the largest scientific gatherings of 2010.