Cranberry juice is thought to have numerous health benefits.It contains phytochemicals which are thought to prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease.

The main health benefit associated with cranberry juice is the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Though health professionals recommend cranberry juice for the treatment and prevention of UTI, the EU rejected the health claim for use on commercial products.

This means that in the UK, Boots will give you cranberry juice capsules as an over-the-counter treatment of UTIs, but cranberry juice companies cannot advertise this use on their packaging.

It is thought that cranberry juice prevents bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder, preventing infection.

BUT the EU commission has good reason to not allow commercial communications of cranberry juice to mention the treatment of UTIs. Some studies have shown that cranberry juice may not treat or prevent UTIs.

Though cranberry juice has a long history of use to treat UTIs, it does not meet the EUs requirements (the mechanism is not known and there is not scientific agreement about its efficacy).

• NHS guide to cranberry juice
• Article on health benefits
• UTIs