Cranberry industry to quantify PAC content.

The U.S. cranberry industry is devising a standardized methodology to quantify proanthocyanidins (PACs) in cranberry products consumed worldwide. PACs are the family of flavonoids present in cranberries believed to impart one of the berry's major health benefits--helping maintain urinary tract health. Cranberry PACs provide unique bacterial anti-adhesion effects, but until now manufacturers have not had a consistent industry-wide method to measure and quantify these compounds in their products and provide consumers assurance that the products they purchase contain sufficient quantities. A team of scientists aims to standardize and validate the quantification of PACs found in products made from the North American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon). The PAC content has been determined using an updated dimethylaminocin-namaldehyde method (DMAC).