TheraCran^®

Our standardized, high-potency cranberry supplement formulated to support and to maintain normal urinary tract health.* TheraCran is the only cranberry product that is independently certified by NSF International for proanthocyanidin and other flavonoid content.

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* This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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Pediatrics and Cranberry Usage

Signs and Symptoms

Bladder infections cause symptoms due to inflammation and irritation of the bladder and urethra. Children may complain of pain with urination, and they may urinate more frequently or be able to only produce a small amount of urine at one time. Some children may even complain of pain in the low stomach or back. Sometimes children may not be able to control their urine and have a daytime accident or possibly wet the bed. Their urine may smell badly or appear cloudy if there is an infection present.

In infants or young children, the classic symptoms of a bladder infection may or may not be present. If your child is too young to tell you how he or she feels, other signs to be aware of include loose bowel movements, vomiting, diarrhea, unexplained fever, change in urination pattern, or loss of appetite.

Treatment

Bladder infections are treated with antibiotics. The type of antibiotic given will depend on the type of bacteria causing the infection and the length and severity of the infection. Even if your child seems to be getting well after a few doses of the antibiotic, it is very important to make sure that he or she finishes the course of antibiotic prescribed by the doctor. If not, the infection may come back.

Causes of UTIs in Children

Some children are more prone to bladder infections because of an abnormality of their urinary tract. Other children may develop an infection because they are not drinking enough water, if they are holding their urine for long periods of time, have chronic constipation, or poor hygiene.

Physical abnormalities of the urinary tract, which can cause frequent infection may be identified as something such as vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Approximately one-third of children who have frequent UTIs are found to have VUR.

When a child has been diagnosed with VUR, treatment is focused on reducing the risk of future bladder infections and preventing kidney damage. If a child with VUR develops an infection, it should be treated promptly with antibiotics to prevent the infection from moving into the kidneys. Surgery is sometimes needed to correct severe cases of VUR.

Prevention of Bladder Infections

If your child has a structurally normal urinary tract, certain diet and lifestyle changes can help decrease the risk of having a future infection. Proper hygiene decreases the amount of bacteria that can enter the bladder. Cleaning well after a bowel movement is important, and girls who are prone to bladder infections should be taught to wipe from front to back after urinating to prevent bacteria from entering the urinary tract. Children should be encouraged to empty their bladder approximately every 3-4 hours. Increased fluid intake may help promote more frequent urination. Dietary changes can be made to decrease constipation if needed. Increasing fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (whole wheat bread and pasta, brown rice, whole grain cereals, oatmeal, etc.), along with an increased fluid intake, will promote regular bowel movements.

Cranberry juice has been shown to block E. coli bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract, thus decreasing the risk of bladder Infections. TheraCran, our standardized cranberry supplement, provides the same amount of proanthocyanidins, the active components found in cranberries, as two six-ounce glasses of cranberry juice cocktail, in only two capsules per day. TheraCran provides the same benefits as juice, without the extra sugar and calories. TheraCran is also more stable than juice. The longer juice sits on the shelf, the less stable the active ingredients. The bioactivity of TheraCran has been tested and proven in a clinical trial.

Dosage

It is safe to use the same dosage with children as adults because TheraCran is a food-based product. For children who cannot swallow capsules, the capsule may be opened and contents mixed well with other food such as apple sauce, pudding, or yogurt. The somewhat tart taste of the powder is easily masked when stirred in well. The powder does not dissolve well in water or juice, so mixing with food is preferable.

A dark colored food like chocolate pudding will also disguise the color, or you can make the color change part of the fun.