Cranberry juice mystery: gut bacteria may hold key to UTI prevention

This study looks at why cranberry juice helps some women avoid urinary tract infections (UTIs) but not others. Researchers think the answer lies in the gut microbiome—the unique mix of bacteria in each person's digestive system. 160 healthy women who are prone to UTIs will drink either cranberry juice or a placebo for three weeks, and scientists will measure how well their urine blocks infection-causing bacteria. The goal is to understand how gut bacteria influence the body's response to cranberry juice, which could lead to more personalized UTI prevention strategies.