Nutrition Hints

from Betty Kamen, PhD, and Dr. Michael Rosenbaum, MD

Copyright © 2002 by Nutrition Encounter, all rights reserved
May be redistributed only with full attribution
and a link to www.bettykamen.com

Hint #1296: Cranberry juice - the good and the bad

People taking the anti-clotting drug warfarin [Coumadin] should limit or avoid drinking cranberry juice because of the risk of hemorrhage.

The juice and the drink interact, increasing the potency of the drug.

Cranberry juice has become very popular for several reasons. Not only does it prevent cystitis, but it also reduces stroke outcome, so it is often prescribed for patients after a heart attack or heart surgery. It has been shown that concentrated cranberry extract reduces the death of brain cells by half in comparison to cells that do not receive the extract.

Drinking cranberry juice also raises levels of good cholesterol in the blood and increases antioxidant levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.

But warfarin is known to interact with many drugs, which either increase or reduce its potency. Antidepressants, for example, can also enhance anticoagulant effect of warfarin. [Will doctors eventually prescribe cranberry juice instead of warfarin? Perhaps the next step is research comparing the effectiveness of each for those at risk.]

Sources: Current Problems in Pharmacovigilance, Oct 2003; American Chemical Society Meeting, Sep 08, 03.

betty@bettykamen.com
http://www.bettykamen.com

These nutrition hints are provided for information only and should not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of these hints. Please consult your health professional for any matter relating to your health. Readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries. The information and opinions provided are believed to be accurate and sound, based on our best judgment. The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.

Statements made in these hints have not necessarily been evaluated by the FDA. Products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.