Cranberry

Vaccinium macrocarpon

Mechanism

Cranberry fruits contain proanthocyanidins with A-type linkage (PAC), to which an inhibition of bacterial adhesion (including P-fimbriated E. coli) to the urothelium is attributed in vitro and in human research. From this the traditional application in the area of the urinary tract is derived. In the horse the evidence is thin: controlled equine studies on urinary-tract endpoints are lacking, and the transferability of the human anti-adhesion data is not proven. The relevant sugar/fruit content of the berry is to be noted.

Cautions

· Mind the sugar/fructan content — avoid in EMS, PPID/Cushing or laminitis predisposition
· No substitute for veterinary clarification in case of urinary-tract symptoms
· Prefer a standardised extract; equine efficacy not proven

Sources

PMID:16055161Howell et al. 2005 (Phytochemistry) — A-Typ-Proanthocyanidine und Anti-Adhäsion uropathogener Bakterien

PMID:28635280Peron et al. 2017 (J Agric Food Chem) — Antiadhäsive Aktivität & Metabolomik nach Cranberry-Gabe (Rattenmodell)

Futtermittel-VO 767/2009VO (EG) 767/2009 — Deklaration als Ergänzungsfuttermittel

Equiterna Score

57/100

solid

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety7/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

Dosageproduct-specific (standardised to PAC content); include the sugar content in the daily ration

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyWith caution

Evidenceemerging

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is study-attributed and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.