Lactocran + Probiotics

Why is the urinary tract important?

The urinary system, also known as the renal system, produces, stores and eliminates urine, the fluid waste excreted by the kidneys. The kidneys make urine by filtering wastes and extra water from blood. Urine travels from the kidneys through two thin tubes called ureters and fills the bladder. When the bladder is full, a person urinates through the urethra to eliminate the waste.

Examples of the problems associated with urinary tract health

1. Menopause Rates of UTIs are higher in postmenopausal women for a few reasons.

For one, the presence of bladder or uterine prolapse can cause incomplete bladder emptying and stasis (reduced or stoppage flow) of urine which in turn promotes the growth of pathogens. Also, the loss of oestrogen after menopause leads to changes in the vaginal flora, especially the loss of lactobacilli, and increases your susceptibility to infection.

2. Sexual activity UTIs are very common in women aged 18-30 years as it is associated with coitus (the so-called ‘honeymoon cystitis’). In this age group, sexual intercourse is the cause of 75 to 90 percent of bladder infections, with the risk of infection being related to the frequency of sex. The use of spermicides and diaphgrams for contraceptive purposes further increases the risk of UTIs as it causes a change in the vaginal flora and eradication of the vaginal lactobacilli.

3. Recent instrumentation of the urinary tract (e.g. catheterisation, cystoscopy, urodynamic studies) The insertion of foreign instruments into the urinary tract promotes the translocation of bacteria colonised around the peri-urethral area into the bladder and other parts of the urinary tract. This increases the risk of developing bacteruria (presence of bacteria in the urine) in significant numbers eventually leading to a UTI.

4. Foreign bodies (e.g. catheters, urinary stones) Urinary catheters are the most important risk factors for bacteriuria. Catheters introduce organisms into the bladder and promote colonisation by providing a foreign surface for bacteria to adhere to and by causing irritation of the bladder mucosa. 80 percent of UTIs that occur while in hospitals or healthcare institutions are related to urethral catheterisation, and 5-10 percent are related to manipulation of the genito-urinary tract. Urinary stones similarly irritate the bladder as well as provide a nidus for bacteria to adhere to, thereby increasing the risk of developing a UTI.

5. Neurological disorders, drugs or pelvic organ prolapse
These conditions may cause incomplete emptying of the bladder, thereby promoting stasis of urine which increases the risk of UTI development.

6. Medical conditions (e.g. diabetes) Diabetes leading to glycosuria (sugar in the urine) makes for fertile breeding ground for bacteria. A study showed that 9.4 percent of patients with Type 2 diabetes had a UTI compared to only 5.7 percent of people without diabetes.

7. Poor hygene or hot and humid conditions can build up bad bacteria growth in the vagina area.

Urinary Tract Infection

This is one of the most common condition in humans. Especially in women, 1 in 5 women aged 20-65 experience a UTI at least once a year. According to the SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, 20 per cent of women aged 20 to 65 will experience at least one UTI episode per year, and approximately 50 per cent of women will experience UTI at least once during their life.

Antibiotics are usually enough to get rid of UTI, but doctors are now concerned about the emergence of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.

In fact, many doctors are reluctant to prescribe antibiotics, as chronic use is believed to be responsible for the rise of these “superbugs”. With the increase in antibiotic resistance and effects of anitbiotics killing both good and bad bacteria. ​

The bad news is that the incidence of such infections caused by superbugs is expected to rise, and the worry is that there will not be drugs strong enough to get rid of them.

As a result, many health experts are exploring other remedies to not only treat bacterial infections like UTI, but also prevent them from occurring to begin with. ​In most cases, UTI may respond well to antibiotics.

While these drugs may work for your UTI for now, the question is, at what point will the bacteria stop responding to such treatments?

This is especially important if your UTI occurs over and over again (and the infection does typically recur in the same people). One study, published in 2012 in the journal Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, looked at cases of UTI in the US between 2000 and 2010.

It found that the number of UTIs caused by E-Coli that didn’t respond to the antibiotics, and increased five-fold. In that same period, the number of UTIs resistant to the antibiotic treatment also increased, from 18 per cent to 24 per cent.

Lactocran + Probiotics

Why Lactocran + for urinary tract management?

E-Coli causes 90% of UTI's and LactoCran is targeted at E-Coli thus managing and relieving UTI.
LactoCran + probiotics work in a synergistic triple effect combining clinically proven CranMax with specially selected 19 probiotic strains and prebiotics to block the pathogenic effects of many common UTI causing bacteria. LactoCran + is able to lower the dependency on antibiotics for the common UTI and helps to prevent recurrent UTI. With no antibiotic side effects.

Lactocran + UTI probiotics is a premium probiotic supplement with USA patented and clinically proven cranberry extract (Cran-Max) with 19 probiotic strains and prebiotics. The triple action formulation help to maintain a healthy urinary system, prevent and help relieve UTI.

CranMax - The world's most powerful cranberry extract

Understanding CranMax

Cran-Max (The best cranberry extract from USA) *Clinically Proven Cran-Max is delivered by a unique, patented delivery system called Bio-Shield Technology.

Bio Shield Technology protects the Cran-Max as it passes through the digestive system until it reaches the lower gastrointestinal tract where it can be better absorbed. The clinically proven and USA patented cranberry (Cran-Max) promotes cleansing of the urinary tract.

There are numerous clinically studies supporting Cran-Max for UTI prevention and helping to relieve UTI. Research shows that PACs, particularly A-type PACs, of which cranberries are a rich source, support urinary tract health. Anthocyanins, which are also found in cranberries and are natural anti-oxidants, support overall health.

The Cran-Max in LactoCran has 60mg of Proanthocyanidins (PACs), research has shown with just 36mg of PACs, it can help relieve urinary tract infection. Thus with 60mg of PACs, will not only prevent but help relieve UTI effectively.

Cran-Max™ provides a good source of PACs and anthocyanins. One 500 mg dose of Cran-Max™ (Found in Lactocran +) provides the same amount of anthocyanins as 7 glasses of cranberry juice cocktail, without all the sugar.

​Cran-Max™ is the only cranberry concentrate made using the patented Bio-Shield™ technology ​Bio-Shield™ is designed to protect the anthocyanins and phenols from destruction by gastric acid in the stomach.

It takes 34 pounds of cranberries to make 1 pound of Cran-Max™. This concentrated starting point results in supplements with Cran-Max™ having more cranberry content than many other supplements on the market..

Why 19 Probiotic Strains?

19 Double microencapsulated probiotic strains (Probably the only Cranberry Probiotic with the most strains) There are 19 specially selected probiotic strains in LactoCran+, each strain is double microencapsulated achieving high stability and optimal deliveryto the tract.

Scientific research has found multi-strains working together show greater efficacy than single strain. These strains are clinically proven to repopulate the urinary tract and hence help to keep urinary tract infections at bay.

The synergistic effect of combining Cran-Max with specially selected probiotic strains and prebiotics blocks the pathogenic effects of many common UTI causing bacteria.

Evidence of Probiotic Benefits

The ability of probiotic interventions in the management of UTIs has long been considered and is now supported by increasing clinical evidence for a growing number of specific strains.

There is a close correlation between the loss of the normal genital microbiota, particularly Lactobacillus species, and an increased incidence of UTIs, therefore suggesting that repletion may be beneficial.

LactoCran has 19 probiotic strains, which is probably the only UTI probiotic supplement with the most number of probiotic strains, of which 11 out of 19 strains are Lactobacillus strains, the specially selected Lactobacillus strains are the reason why such a unique combination of so many Lactobacillus strains work synergistically for a specific purpose to help relieve UTI, re-populate the gastrointestinal and urinary tract area with lactobacilli.

Lactobacilli can prevent the adherence, growth and colonization of uropathogenic bacteria.

It has been shown that healthy microbial populations of Lactobacillus species have a strong inhibitory effect on E. coli. Infections treated using antibiotics reduce drug abuse, leading to drug resistance and render the natural barrier of the urinary system vulnerable to infections.

In their study, Zucotti et al. stated that probiotics could be a good alternative to antibiotic therapy because of their ability to bind to uroepithelial cells and inhibit pathogenic growth, and biosurfactant secretion.

The same investigators have emphasized that oral Lactobacillus therapy can colonize these bacteria in the urinary tract following intestinal colonization.

Probiotic Strains shown to benefit urogenital health.

A recent review in Canada suggested that the mechanisms whereby certain probiotic lactobacilli improve urogenital health include immune modulation, reduction in pathogen ascension from the rectum, and interference with colonisation and survival of pathogens.

A Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus were shown in vitro to inhibit the adherence of E. coli to the GI tract wall by inducing the production of mucin (a sticky substance coating the epithelial cells known to inhibit the adhesion of pathogens). A 2011 in vitro study at Reading University also showed two probiotics strains,

Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum, to have good anti-bacterial effects in inhibiting E. coli growth.

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (RCT) in 2006 showed an oral Lactobacillus rhamnosus (1 x 109 CFU / 1 billion) and a Lactobacillus reuteri (1 x 109 CFU / 1 billion) was able to recover vaginal counts of Lactobacillus species following antibiotics and infection by 96% compared to 53% in controls.

The only medical claim approved by KFDA (Korea Food and Drug Authority)

Cranmax, a cranberry extract has been approved and supported by a health claim in the Korean market, after the nation's regulatory approved a claim linking it to urinary tract infection.

Cranmax is widely used in the USA in application for relieving urinary tract infections, and in the European union. The approval from the Korean food and drug administration (KFDA) means it can now can be used to help relieve UTI.

Cran-max is a whole berry concentrate using a proprietary process that utilizes all parts of the fruit, including the skin, seeds, pulp, juice and fiber. It does not contain solvent, preservative, sugars, water, flavorings or colour.

The commissioner of KFDA noted in official documents it is an approved functional food ingredient according to article 10 of the regulation on approval of functional ingredient for urinary tract health."

Cranmax which is recommended at 500mg dose a day is supported by a number of scientific studies. Recently researchers from St Francis college, Mt Sinai school of medicine, and New York university reported that the anti-bacterial benefits maybe matched by anti-viral benefits (phytomedicine)

According to Dean Mosca the claim approval from KFDA demonstrates that "worldwide authorities are recognizing the efficacy and ultimate benefit of consuming Cran-Max to support urinary tract health for both men and women.

The Effect of prophylactic administration of cranberry extract (Cranmax) on the occurrence of recurring infections of the urinary tract

We administered 1 capsule of the preparation SWISS CRANMAX™7500mg per day to 25 patients (24 women and 1 man), suffering from an anamnesis of recurring infections of the urinary tract (3 times or more during the past year) for a time period of 6 months. Two patients had a neurogenous bladder with torpid infections of the urinary tract. The observation set consisted of patients without current symptoms of a urinary tract infection. The patients were monitored every two month after the initial examination. It was observed that the prophylactic administration of the preparation CRANMAX ™7500mg resulted in the significant reduction of the number of clinical manifestations of urinary tract infections, as well as laboratory findings of the monitored individuals, i.e. approximately 6x. A considerably good effect was observed on patients with a neurogenous bladder

To investigate the impact of consuming cranberry capsules in a single, post-coital dose on the onset of lower tract urinary infections in female patients presenting with recurrent urinary infections.

A prospective, randomised, double-blind study conducted over a period of 45 days between May and August 2006, at the A. Fournier Institute, (Paris), in 120 female patients having had over 6 lower urinary tract infections during the last 12 months. The patients were randomly allocated to one of three groups. In the 6 hours following intercourse, each patient had to take a single dose of: - Either 1 capsule infused with cranberry powder according to the Bioshield procedure, (GynDelta®); - Or 1 capsule of dry cranberry extract containing 36 mg of pro-anthocyanidins A (PAC); - Or 1 placebo capsule (magnesium stearate and red iron oxide). Over the study period, 10.8% of patients in the GynDelta® group suffered a recurrent bout of lower urinary tract infection compared with 18.9% of patients in the cranberry group containing 36 mg PAC and 43.2% of patients in the placebo group. GynDelta® proved its efficacy in the prevention of lower urinary tract infections after a single, post-coital dose with a greater level of statistical significance (p = 0.005) than cranberry containing 36 mg of PAC (p = 0.048) compared with the placebo.

Prevention of UTI

Evaluation of cranberry tablets for the prevention of urinary tract infections in spinal cord injured patients with neurogenic bladder. To evaluate cranberry tablets for the prevention of urinary tract infection (UTI) in spinal cord injured (SCI) patients. Subjects with spinal cord injury and documentation of neurogenic bladder were randomized to receive 6 months of cranberry extract tablet or placebo, followed by the alternate preparation for an additional 6 months. The primary outcome was the incidence of UTI. Forty-seven subjects completed the trial. We found a reduction in the likelihood of UTI and symptoms for any month while receiving the cranberry tablet (Po0.05 for all). During the cranberry period, 6 subjects had 7 UTI, compared with 16 subjects and 21 UTI in the placebo period (Po0.05 for both number of subjects and incidence). The frequency of UTI was reduced to 0.3 UTI per year vs 1.0 UTI per year while receiving placebo. Subjects with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) greater than 75 ml min-1 received the most benefit. Cranberry extract tablets should be considered for the prevention of UTI in SCI patients with neurogenic bladder. Patients with a high GFR may receive the most benefit.

CranMax VS Antibiotics

Cranberry or trime (Antibiotics) for the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections? A randomized controlled trial in older women

To compare the effectiveness of cranberry extract with low-dose trimethoprim in the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in older women. One hundred and thirty-seven women with two or more antibiotic-treated UTIs in the previous 12 months were randomized to receive either 500 mg of cranberry extract or 100 mg of trime for 6 months. Trial registration: ISRCTN80031108. Thirty-nine of 137 participants (28%) had an antibiotic-treated UTI (25 in the cranberry group and 14 in the trime group); difference in proportions relative risk 1.616 (95% CI: 0.93, 2.79) P 5 0.084. The time to first recurrence of UTI was not significantly different between the groups (P 5 0.100). The median time to recurrence of UTI was 84.5 days for the cranberry group and 91 days for the trime group (U 5 166, P 5 0.479). There were 17/137 (12%) withdrawals from the study, 6/69 (9%) from the cranberry group and 11/68 (16%) from the trime group (P 5 0.205), with a relative risk of withdrawal from the cranberry group of 0.54 (95% CI: 0.19, 1.37). Trime had a very limited advantage over cranberry extract in the prevention of recurrent UTIs in older women and had more adverse effects. Our findings will allow older women with recurrent UTIs to weigh up with their clinicians the inherent attractions of a cheap, natural product like cranberry extract whose use does not carry the risk of antimicrobial resistance or super-infection with Clostridium difficile or fungi.

Cranberries vs Antibiotics to Prevent Urinary Tract Infections

Understanding CranMax

In a double-blind, double-dummy noninferiority trial, 221 premenopausal women with recurrent UTIs were randomized to 12-month prophylaxis use of trime-sulf (TMP-SMX), 480 mg once daily, or cranberry capsules, 500mg twice daily. Primary end points were the mean number of symptomatic UTIs over 12 months, the proportion of patients with at least 1 symptomatic UTI, the median time to first UTI, and development of antibiotic resistance in indigenous Escherichia coli. After 12 months, the mean number of patients with at least 1 symptomatic UTI was higher in the cranberry than in the TMP-SMX group (4.0 vs 1.8; P=.02), and the proportion of patients with at least 1 symptomatic UTI was higher in the cranberry than in the TMP-SMX group (78.2% vs 71.1%). Median time to the first symptomatic UTI was 4 months for the cranberry and 8 months for the TMP-SMX group. After 1 month, in the cranberry group, 23.7% of fecal and 28.1% of asymptomatic bacteriuria E coli isolates were TMP-SMX resistant, whereas in the TMPSMX group, 86.3% of fecal and 90.5% of asymptomatic bacteriuria E coli isolates were TMP-SMX resistant. Similarly, we found increased resistance rates for trime, amo, and cipro in these E coli isolates after 1 month in the TMP-SMX group. After discontinuation of TMP-SMX, resistance reached baseline levels after 3 months. Antibiotic resistance did not increase in the cranberry group. Cranberries and TMP-SMX were equally well tolerated. In premenopausal women, TMP-SMX, 480 mg once daily, is more effective than cranberry capsules, 500 mg twice daily, to prevent recurrent UTIs, at the expense of emerging antibiotic resistance.

Understanding Efficacy of Cranmax

It is worth noting that the efficacy of most cranberry extracts is usually calculated from their PAC content. However, various analytical methods lead to different PAC contents for a same sample. Besides, the PAC content does not account for in vivo efficacy. Anthocyanins are the glycosolated (sugar bound) analogs of anthocyanidins, which are the actual active compounds in the body. They are hydrosoluble thanks to their bound sugar, therefore easily absorbed by the body and converted on the site of use into active anthocyanidins. However, the chemical linkage between anthocyanidins and their sugar group being highly fragile, ingested anthocyanins are rapidly degraded in the acidic environment of the upper gastrointestinal tract to insoluble, unabsorbable anthocyanidins. CranMax® incorporates a patented BioShield® technology. The BioShield® matrix being composed of natural plant fibres issued from cranberry fruits is very tolerant to acid environments and therefore protects anthocyanins from destruction by gastric acid, probably through contraction of lignin-cellulose fibres. PACs are thus delivered intact into the lower gastrointestinal tract, allowing them to be easily absorbed. These exclusive physiological properties have been scientifically proven by Ingredia Nutritional research team. The in vitro release of PAC in a simulated gastric milieu was measured for Cranmax ®, cranberry concentrate and cranberry juice powder. Cranmax® active compounds are less released in the gastric milieu than those from other cranberry products. More intact PACs are transferred to intestinal absorption sites: Cranmax® acts as a natural delivery system that increases the cranberry active compounds bioavailability. A study conducted by Stothers (1) aimed to assess the effects of Cranmax® and cranberry juice as prophylaxis against recurrent UTIs for 12 months. This randomized, placebo controlled trial was performed on 150 female volunteers who had experienced at least two UTIs during the previous year. The results showed that 500 mg/day Cranmax® used as prophylaxis lead to 1.6 times less women experiencing at least one UTI during study period and 2.4 times less recurrence per women as compared to placebo (p<0.05). They also evidenced no significant difference between Cranmax® and cranberry juice efficacy: a daily intake of 500 mg of Cranmax® was as effective as that of 750ml of cranberry juice against recurrent UTIs. Since episodes of cystitis associated with sexual relations account for 60 % of cases of recurrent cystitis, Bohbot (2) evaluated the effect of one single intake of Cranmax® as compared to a single intake of cranberry extract containing 36 mg PAC on the prevention of recurrent UTIs within 6 h after sexual intercourse in a 45 days period. This randomized, double-blind, placebo control trial was performed on 116 sexually active female volunteers who had experienced at least six UTIs during the last 12 months. Results showed that a single intake of 500 mg of Cranmax® within 6 hours following sexual intercourse significantly reduces UTI recurrence: volunteers experiencing at least one UTI in the next 45 days are 4 times less numerous in Cranmax® group than in placebo group (p<0.005). Furthermore, a single Cranmax® intake proved to be more effective than that of a common cranberry extract standardised with 36 mg PAC (p<0.05).