BAR HARBOR, Maine (October 22, 1998) -- In a landmark study appearing in the October 8, 1998 New England Journal of Medicine, Rutgers' researchers identify the specific compounds in blueberries and cranberries that promote urinary tract health. Only blueberries and cranberries exhibit these positive health characteristics.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria, primarily E. coli, adhering to the walls of the bladder or kidney. In earlier studies, blueberries were found to be beneficial in fighting off UTIs by blocking or prohibiting the growth of bacteria. The exact compounds responsible for fighting bacterial growth were undetermined until now. Rutgers' team of scientists has identified condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins) as the compounds responsible for preventing E. coli bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract.

The Rutgers study, funded in part by Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc., took nearly five years to complete. "This study is a breakthrough in blueberry research," said Amy B. Howell, Ph.D., the study's lead investigator and a research scientist at Rutgers University Blueberry and Cranberry Research and Extension Center in Chatsworth, New Jersey. "While our work focused on cranberries, we found that blueberries exhibit a similar beneficial effect on urinary tract health. A daily fistful of blueberries or a 10-ounce glass of cranberry juice will go a long way in preventing urinary tract infections and promoting good health."

According to John Sauvé, Executive Director of the Wild Blueberry Association of North America (WBANA), the UTI research discoveries build on what is already a powerful health story for Wild Blueberries. "Not only do we know that blueberries are number one in antioxidant activity when compared with 40 other fruits and vegetables, we now know blueberries help in the prevention of urinary tract infections," said Sauvé. "Consumers interested in eating healthy and protecting themselves against disease will benefit tremendously from a daily serving of great-tasting Wild Blueberries. By the handful or glassful, Wild Blueberries are the best way to get a Daily Dose of Blue. "

Sauvé points to recent studies conducted at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Center on Aging at Tufts University, which ranked blueberries number one in antioxidant activity when compared with 40 other fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants are natural substances found in fruits and vegetables which neutralize free radicals -- unstable oxygen molecules associated with cancer, heart disease and the effects of aging.

Scientists attribute these benefits to anthocyanins and other natural compounds (phytochemicals) found in Wild Blueberries. Anthocyanins (from two Greek words meaning "plant" and "blue") are responsible for the intense blue color of Wild Blueberries.

Wild Blueberries, which are commercially harvested only in Maine and eastern Canada, are available year-round in a variety of forms, including frozen, dried, canned and concentrated. WBANA is an international trade association of growers and processors of Wild Blueberries from Maine and Canada.

SOURCE: Wild Blueberry Association of North America

CONTACTS: John Sauvé, Wild Blueberry Association of North America, (207) 288-2655 or Susan Till, SWARDLICK MARKETING GROUP, (207) 775-4100 www.wildblueberries.com