At a glance
| Source | Vaccinium macrocarpon berry (American cranberry) |
| Form in FemiCore | Extract standardized to 30% proanthocyanidins (PACs) |
| Amount in FemiCore | Not disclosed (part of 350 mg herbal blend) |
| Best evidence | Reduced risk of repeat symptomatic UTIs in women with recurrent UTIs |
| Not supported for | Treating an active UTI; bladder control/leaks |
| Key caution | Conflicting evidence on interaction with warfarin |
What it is
Cranberries are North American berries used as food and, for well over a century, as a folk remedy for urinary problems. Supplements usually contain dried juice or extract. FemiCore’s extract is standardized to 30% proanthocyanidins, a group of plant compounds (PACs) found in high amounts in cranberries.
How it’s thought to work
Most urinary infections are caused by E. coli bacteria that stick to the lining of the urinary tract. Laboratory research suggests that a specific type of cranberry PAC can interfere with that sticking, which might make it harder for bacteria to settle. Cranberry is therefore thought of as a way to lower infection risk, not to kill bacteria or treat an infection already present.
Thinking of trying FemiCore?
Check the seller’s current price and read the 60-day refund terms before you order. Talk to your doctor first if you take medication.
Affiliate link. Opens the seller’s official order page.What the research says
The 2023 Cochrane review
The most thorough summary is the Cochrane review updated in 2023, covering 50 randomized trials with 8,857 participants. Its main findings:
- In women with recurrent UTIs, cranberry products “probably reduced the risk of symptomatic, culture-verified UTIs” (risk ratio 0.74 across 8 studies, 1,555 women).
- In elderly people living in care facilities, there was little or no benefit (risk ratio 0.93).
- In pregnant women, there was no benefit (risk ratio 1.06).
- In people with nerve-related bladder problems and incomplete emptying, there was no clear benefit (risk ratio 0.97, low certainty).
NCCIH summary
The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says cranberry may decrease the risk of symptomatic, recurrent UTIs in women by about 25%, that the evidence is mixed, and that cranberry “isn’t recommended as a treatment for existing UTIs in any population.” Anyone who thinks they have a UTI should see a health care provider.
What about bladder control?
The research on cranberry is about infections. We found no good evidence that cranberry reduces leaks, urgency or frequency in women without infections.
Studied dose
Trials used many different products (juice, tablets, capsules) at different amounts, which is one reason results vary. There is no single agreed dose. A product that states how many milligrams of PACs it delivers makes comparison easier. FemiCore states the standardization (30%) but not the cranberry weight, so the PAC dose per capsule can’t be calculated.
Side effects
NCCIH considers cranberry generally safe by mouth. In very large amounts it can cause stomach upset and diarrhea. Food amounts are considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding, but evidence for larger amounts is not conclusive.
Interactions
Warfarin: NCCIH notes “conflicting evidence about whether cranberry interacts with the anticoagulant (blood thinner) warfarin.” If you take warfarin or another blood thinner, talk to your doctor before taking FemiCore.
Cranberry juice vs extract
Cranberry juice drinks are often sweetened and diluted, and drinking enough of them every day adds sugar and calories. Extracts and capsules avoid that, which is one reason supplements are popular. The Cochrane review included juice, tablets and capsules, and couldn’t identify a single best form or dose. Whichever form you choose, consistency matters more than any single serving.
Role in FemiCore
Cranberry is the formula’s most credible ingredient for urinary tract support. Its inclusion makes sense. Its value depends on dose, which is unknown, and it is sharing 350 mg with three other herbs.
Our assessment
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Human evidence? | Yes, moderate, for recurrent UTI in women |
| Relevant to bladder leaks? | Not shown |
| Dose known? | Standardization yes, amount no |
| Main caution | Warfarin; don’t use instead of UTI treatment |
Bottom line
Cranberry is a reasonable choice for women with recurrent UTIs to discuss with their doctor. In FemiCore, it’s the strongest ingredient, but its amount is hidden. If cranberry is the main reason you’re interested, a product that states its PAC dose may be easier to evaluate. See FemiCore vs other options.
Frequently asked questions
What are proanthocyanidins?
Plant compounds (PACs) found in high amounts in cranberries. Lab research suggests certain PACs may make it harder for some bacteria to stick to the urinary tract lining.
Does cranberry prevent UTIs?
A 2023 Cochrane review found cranberry products probably reduce the risk of repeat symptomatic UTIs in women with recurrent infections, but not in elderly people in care or pregnant women.
Can cranberry treat a UTI?
No. NCCIH says cranberry isn’t recommended as a treatment for existing UTIs. See a clinician.
How much cranberry is in FemiCore?
Not disclosed. The extract is standardized to 30% PACs, but its weight within the 350 mg blend isn’t given.
Is cranberry safe with warfarin?
The evidence is conflicting. Talk to your doctor before combining them.
Ready to compare packages?
Order only through the seller’s checkout so your purchase is covered by the 60-day refund policy.
Affiliate link. Opens the seller’s official order page.Sources
Keep learning
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. FemiCore is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information on this page is for education only. If you have bladder symptoms such as pain, blood in the urine, fever or sudden changes, see a health care professional.