Cranberry + Probiotic + Prebiotic + Combination Tablets

Mechanism

Cranberry has been well studied for its ability to prevent and decrease the severity of urinary tract infections. It contains compounds called lectins that prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract. The bacteria are then flushed out through the urine and do not lead to infection. Cranberry also acidifies the urine, which makes it an uncomfortable environment for bacteria to live and reproduce.
Cranberries also contain significant amounts of vitamin C, which is important for the healing of the lining of the urinary tract. Finally, the proanthocyanidins that are found in cranberry have been shown to have anti-cancer effects in laboratory testing.
D-Mannose is a monosaccharide, a simple sugar but unlike glucose it is absorbed eight times slower. Because it is hard for our bodies to absorb D-Mannose it passes straight to the blood stream, then through the kidneys into the bladder. Since it is not metabolized in the body like other sugars, it does not affect the blood sugar levels, and therefore is safe for the diabetic menu and does not cause weight gain.
D-mannose is a simple sugar that prevents adherence of certain bacterial strains to uro-epithelial cells of the bladder. It prevents 90% or more of UTIs that are caused by the bacteria E.coli.
D-Mannose has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. It plays a key role in the formation of cytokines—the chemicals that make you feel achy when you're sick. Cytokines, in turn, stimulate the immune system to fight the parasitic invader.
Probiotics, or friendly bacteria, are the beneficial microbial flora we all need for optimal digestive and colon health. We all have them – the first probiotics being given to us during the process of breast feeding from our mothers, with our need for them never waning throughout our entire lives. Without health gut flora, poor assimilation of nutrients, intestinal irritation or constipation can result.
The probiotics L.rhamnosus, L.acidophilus and L. Salivarius specialized probiotic strain recognized for its effectiveness with antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. L. rhamnonus is extremely resistant to stomach acids and produces compounds (surfactants) that disrupt pathogenic bacterial strains from adhering to the lining of the urinary tract.
Probiotics helps restore the balance of intestinal and vaginal bacteria, and may be particularly beneficial if you've taken antibiotics to help treat a urinary tract infection.
Lactobacillus acidophilusThis probiotic bacterium has led many people to refer to probiotics simply as "acidophilus". It is the most prevalent in the human intestine and has been the most widely studied probiotic bacteria with research starting on L.acidophilus as long ago as 1925. The best researched single strain of acidophilus is probably the DDS-1 strain. This strain amongst other benefits has been shown to stimulate the immune system, increasing levels of interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) which suppress cancerous tumour growth. Other research has shown that L.acidophilus DDS-1 also alleviates lactose intolerance by producing significant amounts of the lactose digesting enzyme lactase, inhibits gastrointestinal pathogens by producing antimicrobial substances such as acidophilin and helps alleviate dermatitis and other skin conditions by altering gut flora amongst other things.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lactobacillus rhamnosus is a probiotic bacterium that has been receiving a growing amount of attention as a treatment for many illnesses in the form of the GG strain. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) now has a wealth of research backing its use, particularly for infectious and allergic conditions. A 2001 study reviewing information regarding probiotics and infectious diseases found that there is a large amount of data showing that Lactobacillus GG is an effective treatment for diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile infection4. Another study testing the effectiveness of probiotics in preventing allergic illness found that Lactobacillus GG given prenatally to mothers with at least 1 first-degree relative and postnatally for 6 months to their infants reduced the incidence of atopic eczema by half compared to controls.
Lactobacillus salivarius L.salivarius has been repeatedly shown to inhibit the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) which is responsible for the creation of peptic ulcers. H.pylori interferes with stomach acid production and/or produces a toxin that directly contributes to ulcer formation. The usual treatment involves taking antibiotics but H.pylori may become resistant to them and there are side effects of prolonged antibiotic use due to the eradication of beneficial bacteria along with the pathogenic bacteria. It has been discovered that L.salivarius produces large amounts of lactic acid that completely inhibits the growth of H.pylori and reduces the associated inflammatory response. The first bacteriocin (natural antibiotic substance) to be isolated and studied at the genetic level was taken from a strain of L.salivarius.
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) FOS is a prebiotic. In a study using pigs, FOS was shown to increase butyrate concentrations in the large intestine. Butyrate is a short chain fatty acid (SCFA) that helps to maintain the health of the colon. FOS encourages and support re-colonisation by the friendly bacteria.
What are UTIs?
Vitamin A: Vitamin A contains beta – carotene, an organic compound found in plants that fights the invasion of bacteria. Beta – carotene strengthens cells to make the more resistant to bacteria.
Vitamin C has antioxidant attributes that helps our body absorb bioflavonoid. Bioflavonoid helps in removing toxic radicals thereby improving our body immunity that prevents bacterial growth in the urinary tract.It can have a bacteriostatic effect in the urine. This effect was shown to be mediated by the reduction of urinary nitrites to reactive nitrogen oxides rather than by lowering urinary pH.

Pharmacokinetics

• Cranberry Extract: Polyphenols absorbed in GI tract, metabolized in liver, excreted via urine.
• D-Mannose: Rapidly absorbed, circulates unchanged, excreted in urine where it binds bacteria.
• Probiotics: Colonize gut, modulate microbiota, effects depend on strain viability.
• Vitamin A: Absorbed with dietary fat, stored in liver, released as needed.
• Vitamin C: Absorbed in small intestine, widely distributed, excreted in urine.

Side Effects

• Cranberry Extract: Mild GI upset, rare kidney stone risk with high doses.
• D-Mannose: Loose stools or bloating at high intake.
• Probiotics: Mild gas or bloating initially.
• Vitamin A: Hypervitaminosis A with chronic overdose (headache, liver toxicity).
• Vitamin C: High doses may cause diarrhea or kidney stones.

Contraindication

• Hypersensitivity to cranberry, D-Mannose, or Hibiscus
• History of kidney stones (cranberry may increase oxalate levels)
• Severe renal impairment
• Pregnancy and lactation — use cautiously

Interaction

• Cranberry Extract: May interact with warfarin, increasing bleeding risk.
• D-Mannose: Generally safe, but may enhance effects of anti-diabetic drugs (monitor glucose).
• Probiotics: Reduced efficacy if taken with antibiotics (space doses apart).
• Vitamin A: Potential additive toxicity with retinoid medications.
• Vitamin C: May increase absorption of iron supplements; high doses can reduce effectiveness of certain anticoagulants.

Warning and Precautions

• Patients with kidney stones should avoid excessive cranberry or vitamin C intake.
• Pregnant/lactating women should consult a physician before use.
• Monitor vitamin A intake to avoid toxicity.