The side effects of cranberry pills are seen predominantly with regards to skin. It mainly causes allergic reactions. Most of the side effects are the result of an overdose. Find out possible side effects and simple ways to avoid them in this write-up.

Cranberry pills have created quite a sensation in the world of medication in the recent past. They contain all the nutritional and antioxidant properties of the cranberry fruit of course, and hence have shown positive effects with regards to many medical conditions. Along with antioxidant properties, cranberry contains vitamin C, manganese, dietary fibers, minerals and many other essential micronutrients. All these health benefits and more are combined in the manufacturing process of cranberry pills. A single cranberry pill can sum up approximately 6 to 7 cups of cranberry juice. Despite these health benefits there are some side effects which may be observed in the people taking these supplements.

Side Effects of Cranberry Pills
As we know, all medical products and dietary supplements can have side effects. No matter what the health benefits of cranberry pills are, there are still some ill effects that have been found in individual cases. There are several conditions in which cranberry pills side effects are observed. Though cranberry is safe for most people, drinking it in excess may be harmful. Similar is the case with the pills. Though the side effects of the pills have not been proven scientifically, following are some of the side effects which may be observed and are associated with the pill.

Mild Side Effects
Mild side effects like diarrhea, dizziness, itchiness, skin rashes, fatigue, frequent urination, redness and swelling of face, lips, tongue and mouth, headache, blurred vision, nausea, and stomach cramping may be observed in some people. These are very mild and are usually left unnoticed.

Other Possible Side Effects
The side effects given below are usually a result of overusage of cranberry pills. They may be observed in few cases but if observed, medical attention is required.

● Allergic Reaction
The most common side effect is the allergic reaction of cranberry. Some people are allergic to the cranberries and hence, they cannot cope up with the cranberry pills that are made using the fruit extract.

● Kidney Stone
Cranberry pills contain a large amount of oxalate and they are also said to boost the level of oxalate in the urine. As kidney stones are composed of oxalate and calcium, these pills can increase the risk of getting kidney stone. But this side effect is observed only when the cranberry is taken more than 1 liter per day for a long period of time.

● Interaction with Drugs
Cranberry pills may interact and may either decrease or alter the effect of drugs and medicines taken along with them. These pills are known to interfere with anticoagulants and antacids.

● Pregnancy and Breast-feeding
Cranberry juice is considered safe during pregnancy. But as supplements can interfere with other medications and drugs, it may show some side effects during pregnancy and breast-feeding, so it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking the pills.

Precautions
There are several conditions in which a person must think twice, before taking cranberry pills. These precautions should be taken especially by:

• Those who are allergic to cranberries or any content of the cranberry fruit.
• Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Those who are planning to get pregnant in the near future.
• Those who have diabetes, liver disease and a history of kidney stones.
• Those who are taking one or more medications, whether they are prescribed or non-prescribed, herbal or non-herbal.
• Those who are consuming medications that contain warfarin which is an anticogulatan, it can cause several serious side effects like excessive bleeding.

There is no doubt that cranberry pills are an effective way to treat several medical conditions like urinary tract infections, jock itch, chronic bladder infections, risk of severe illnesses like cancer, cardiovascular diseases and kidney diseases like kidney stones. Hence, despite the side effects, they are being used on a large-scale. Cranberry products are said to be a bliss for dietary supplement users as they hasten the process thus providing quick results. Cranberry pills can deliver quicker results than cranberry juice. But it is always better to consult your doctor before taking cranberry pills or any supplement for that matter.

To sum it up, go visit your family doctor and check your compatibility with the cranberry pills. It is one of the best ways of staying fit and keeping all the side effects at bay! Take care!

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.