Cranberry & Urinary Tract / Vitamin B6, Folate & Pregnancy / Protein & Walking Speed

Cranberries May Provide Urinary Tract Health Benefits

Cranberries contain a high level of proanthocyanins (PACs), which are a class of polyphenolic compounds that can helps support urinary tract health. A new review has found that cranberries may help protect against recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Researchers from Flinders University used data from 50 randomized controlled trials that included 8,857 participants in their review. The trials examined the effect of cranberry juice or cranberry supplements may have on UTIs.

The researchers found that cranberries reduced the risk of symptomatic urinary tract infections on women with recurrent UTIs by 54% compared to placebo. The risk of UTIs was reduced by 21% in children compared to placebo, and by 53% in participants susceptible to a UTI following a medical intervention.

The study was published online ahead of print on April 17, 2023 in the journal Cochrane Reviews.

In a previous study, cranberry extract was found to help reduce the occurrence of UTIs.

article 2Healthy Vitamin B6 and Folate Levels During Pregnancy May Provide Benefits to Baby

It is important to get enough vitamin B6 and folate during pregnancy as they help support the baby’s growth and development and help the mother retain physical strength. A recent study suggests that low vitamin B6 and folate acid levels during pregnancy may be associated with low birth weights.

Participants in the study included 300 pregnant women between the ages of 18 and 45. Blood samples were collected between the 24th and 32nd weeks of gestation. The samples were used to measure B6, B12, and folate levels. The weight of the babies at birth were recorded.

Levels of vitamin B6 and folate were found to be significantly associated with birth weight. Low levels of folate were found to double the risk of low birth weight. Vitamin B12 was not found to be associated with birth weight.

The study was conducted by researchers from the Public Health Foundation of India. It was published online ahead of print on April 6, 2023 in the journal Nutrients.

A previous study found that folic acid supplementation throughout pregnancy may help improve cognition in children.

article 3Protein Supplementation And Resistance Training May Help Improve Walking Speed

As the body ages, walking speed begins to slow down due to loss of strength and mass in leg muscles. Joints also become stiffer and less flexible. According to a recent study, protein supplementation combined with resistance exercise training may help improve walking speed in mature adults.

Researchers recruited 108 adults over the age of 60 with joint discomfort and muscle loss. They were assigned to 1 of 3 groups for 12 weeks.

  1. 5 grams of protein and resistance exercise training
  2. Resistance exercise training
  3. Usual care

Walking speed was assessed on a weekly basis.

Participants in the protein and resistance exercise training group recovered to normal walking speed more quickly than those in the resistance exercise training alone group. 38.9% of the group showed successful walking speed recovery until the end of the study period. In addition, 30.6% showed normal walking speed 6 weeks after the end of the study period. Only 13.9% of the resistance exercise training achieved normal walking speed by the end of the study period.

The study was conducted by researchers from Taipei Medical University. It was published online ahead of print on March 23, 2023 in the journal Nutrients.

Curcumin was found to help preserve muscle strength loss in a previous study.

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