First there was the snake-oil salesman who found that by claiming his product cured numerous ailments more people were enticed to buy it, and pay a higher price as well.  Constantly traveling from town to town served him well because people eventually discovered his boasts and 'guarantees' were false.  Today we are aware and against any false advertising and there are many laws and regulations, especially for things we consume such as vitamins, supplements, medicine, alcohol, tobacco and food.  Currently there are several health claims which are approved for legal use in the U.S. as long as they meet FDA-established criteria.  You will recognize them because of course manufacturers use them in marketing.  These are some of the valid claims which show a tested and true relationship: Consumption of dietary (non-sugar) sweeteners and reduced risk of dental caries; Diets rich in whole grain foods and reduced risk of heat disease and certain cancers; Consumption of soluble fiber from certain foods and reduced risk of coronary heart disease; Diets low in sodium and reduced risk of hypertension; Diets low in total fat and reduced risk of cancer; Diets with enough calcium and reduced risk of osteoporosis in certain populations.   Do not assume that health claims you read are valid, check them out for yourself.  For complete information about claims and food labeling visit www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation

RUMOR:  Taking cranberry supplements or drinking cranberry juice helps prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
TRUTH:  We do not recommend cranberries to treat UTIs.  There's no data supporting their efficacy. Data supporting that cranberries prevent UTIs is conflicting, partly due to the wide variety of products and regimens studied.

Cranberries seem to act by preventing bacteria, such as E. coli, from sticking to the bladder wall. But there’s no guarantee they will prevent recurrent UTIs.

Once again, supplements do not have to rely on scientific studies nor gain the blessings of the FDA. Only antibiotics can cure bladder infections.  Don’t believe in anecdotal tales. Even a broken clock gets the time right twice a day!