Urinary Tract Infection - Supplements

Urgency? Frequency? Could be a UTI. Triggered by bacteria, UTI, or urinary tract infection, can occur in the kidneys, bladder, or urethra. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.

Check out cranberry
To treat and to prevent recurrences, drink 4 to 10 ounces (114 to 296 ml) of cranberry juice a day or take 400 mg of powdered cranberry concentrate twice a day
Try an enzyme preparation
To enhance antibiotic effectiveness, take 400 mg a day of proteolytic enzymes, such as bromelain and trypsin
Aim for a strong immune system with a multivitamin
Take one a day to avoid vitamin and mineral deficiencies and to better resist infections
If you have a UTI, see a healthcare provider Existing infections may require treatment with antibiotics

Also indexed as:

urinary tract infection,
urinary tract infections,
UTI,
UTIs

About this treatment

What Are "Star" Ratings?

a7_3star Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

a7_2star Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

a7_1star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

Supplement	Amount	Why
Bromelain	400 mg daily	Taking bromelain during a UTI may enhance antibiotic effectiveness.
Bromelain 400 mg daily The proteolytic enzymes, bromelain (from pineapple) and trypsin may enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics in people with a UTI. In a double-blind trial, people with UTIs received antibiotics plus either bromelain/trypsin in combination (400 mg per day for two days) or a placebo. One hundred percent of those who received the enzymes had a resolution of their infection, compared with only 46% of those given the placebo.⁹ This study used enteric-coated tablets. Enteric-coating prevents stomach acid from partially destroying the bromelain. Most commercially available bromelain products today are not enteric-coated, and it is not known if non-enteric coated preparations would be as effective. What Else Is This Supplement Used For? See Drug Interactions

Supplement	Amount	Why
Cranberry	4 to 10 ounces (114 to 296 ml) of cranberry juice daily or 400 mg of powdered cranberry concentrate twice per day	Supplementing with cranberry has been shown to help treat and prevent recurrences.
Cranberry 4 to 10 ounces (114 to 296 ml) of cranberry juice daily or 400 mg of powdered cranberry concentrate twice per day Modern research has suggested that cranberry may prevent urinary tract infections.¹⁰ In a double-blind trial, elderly women who drank 10 ounces (300 ml) of cranberry juice per day had a decrease in the amount of bacteria in their urine.¹¹ In another study, elderly residents of a nursing home consumed either four ounces (120 ml) of cranberry juice or six capsules containing concentrated cranberry daily for 13 months. During that time, the number of UTIs decreased by 25%.¹² A small preliminary trial found that supplementation with encapsulated cranberry concentrate (400 mg twice per day for three months) significantly reduced the recurrence of UTIs in women (aged 18–45) with a history of recurrent infections.¹³ Cranberry juice has also been found to be as effective as the antibiotic cefaclor for preventing UTIs in children who had recurrent UTIs because of a condition that causes urine to flow backwards from the bladder into the ureters (vesicoureteral reflux). In that study, the children received a cranberry juice concentrate that was equivalent to 200 ml of cranberry juice per day.¹⁴ Research has suggested cranberry may be effective against UTIs because it prevents E. coli, the bacteria that causes most urinary tract infections, from attaching to the walls of the bladder.¹⁵ Cranberry is not, however, a substitute for antibiotics in the treatment of acute UTIs. Moreover, in children whose UTIs are due to “neurogenic bladder” (a condition caused by spinal cord injury or myelomeningocele), cranberry juice supplementation did not reduce the rate of infection.¹⁶ Drinking 10–16 ounces (300–500 ml) of unsweetened or lightly sweetened cranberry juice is recommended by many doctors for prevention, and as part of the treatment of UTIs. Alternatively, 400 mg of concentrated cranberry extracts twice per day can be used. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Vitamin C	Refer to label instructions	Supplementing with vitamin C may treat acute UTIs and help people who are prone to recurrent UTIs.
Vitamin C Many doctors recommend 5,000 mg or more of vitamin C per day for an acute UTI, as well as long-term supplementation for people who are prone to recurrent UTIs. Vitamin C has been shown to inhibit the growth of E. coli, the most common bacterial cause of UTIs.¹⁷ In addition, supplementation with 4,000 mg or more of vitamin C per day, results in a slight increase in the acidity of the urine,¹⁸ creating an “unfriendly” environment for some infection-causing bacteria. In one controlled trial, pregnant women who supplemented with 100 mg of vitamin C per day experienced 56% less UTI frequency, compared with a placebo.¹⁹ What Else Is This Supplement Used For? See Drug Interactions

Supplement	Amount	Why
Asparagus	Refer to label instructions	Asparagus may relieve UTI symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
Asparagus Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), birch (Betula spp.), couch grass (Agropyron repens), goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), horsetail, Java tea (Orthosiphon stamineus), lovage (Levisticum officinale), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), spiny restharrow (Ononis spinosa), and nettle are approved in Germany as part of the therapy of people with UTIs. These herbs appear to work by increasing urinary volume and supposedly helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.²⁰ Juniper is used in a similar fashion by many doctors. Generally, these plants are taken as tea.

Supplement	Amount	Why
Birch	Refer to label instructions	Birch may relieve UTI symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
Birch Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), birch (Betula spp.), couch grass (Agropyron repens), goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), horsetail, Java tea (Orthosiphon stamineus), lovage (Levisticum officinale), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), spiny restharrow (Ononis spinosa), and nettle are approved in Germany as part of the therapy of people with UTIs. These herbs appear to work by increasing urinary volume and supposedly helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.²¹ Juniper is used in a similar fashion by many doctors. Generally, these plants are taken as tea.

Supplement	Amount	Why
Blueberry	Refer to label instructions	Blueberry may help prevent and treat UTIs by keeping bacteria from attaching to the lining of the urinary tract.
Blueberry Blueberry contains similar constituents as cranberry, and might also prevent bacteria from attaching to the lining of the urinary bladder.²² However, studies have not yet been done to determine if blueberry can help prevent bladder infections. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), birch (Betula spp.), couch grass (Agropyron repens), goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), horsetail, Java tea (Orthosiphon stamineus), lovage (Levisticum officinale), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), spiny restharrow (Ononis spinosa), and nettle are approved in Germany as part of the therapy of people with UTIs. These herbs appear to work by increasing urinary volume and supposedly helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.²³ Juniper is used in a similar fashion by many doctors. Generally, these plants are taken as tea. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Buchu	Refer to label instructions	Buchu leaf preparations have been historically used as a urinary tract disinfectant and diuretic.
Buchu Buchu leaf preparations have a history of use in traditional herbal medicine as a urinary tract disinfectant and diuretic.²⁴ However, the German Commission E monograph on buchu concludes that insufficient evidence supports the modern use of buchu for the treatment of UTIs or inflammation.²⁵ What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Couch Grass	Refer to label instructions	Couch grass may relieve UTI symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
Couch Grass Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), birch (Betula spp.), couch grass (Agropyron repens), goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), horsetail, Java tea (Orthosiphon stamineus), lovage (Levisticum officinale), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), spiny restharrow (Ononis spinosa), and nettle are approved in Germany as part of the therapy of people with UTIs. These herbs appear to work by increasing urinary volume and supposedly helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.²⁶ Juniper is used in a similar fashion by many doctors. Generally, these plants are taken as tea.

Supplement	Amount	Why
D-Mannose	Refer to label instructions	D-Mannose may help treat UTIs by binding to bacteria that would otherwise attach to the urinary tract lining.
D-Mannose Some bacteria that typically cause urinary tract infections can attach themselves to the lining of the urinary tract by binding to molecules of mannose that naturally occur there.²⁷ Theoretically, if enough D-mannose is present in the urine, it would bind to the bacteria and prevent them from attaching to the urinary tract lining.²⁸ One animal study has demonstrated this protective effect,²⁹ but whether it would occur in humans is unknown, and no human research has investigated the effectiveness of oral D-mannose for the prevention or treatment of urinary tract infections. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Goldenrod	Refer to label instructions	Goldenrod may relieve UTI symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
Goldenrod Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), birch (Betula spp.), couch grass (Agropyron repens), goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), horsetail, Java tea (Orthosiphon stamineus), lovage (Levisticum officinale), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), spiny restharrow (Ononis spinosa), and nettle are approved in Germany as part of the therapy of people with UTIs. These herbs appear to work by increasing urinary volume and supposedly helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.³⁰ Juniper is used in a similar fashion by many doctors. Generally, these plants are taken as tea.

Supplement	Amount	Why
Goldenseal	Refer to label instructions	Goldenseal contains berberine, an alkaloid that may prevent UTIs by inhibiting bacteria from adhering to the wall of the urinary bladder
Goldenseal Goldenseal is reputed to help treat many types of infections. It contains berberine, an alkaloid that may prevent UTIs by inhibiting bacteria from adhering to the wall of the urinary bladder.³¹ Goldenseal and other plants containing berberine (such as Oregon grape) may help in the treatment of UTIs. These herbs have not, however, been studied for the treatment of UTIs in humans. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Horseradish	Refer to label instructions	The volatile oil of horseradish has been shown to kill bacteria that can cause UTIs.
Horseradish The volatile oil of horseradish has been shown to kill bacteria that can cause urinary tract infections.³² The concentration that is required to kill these bacteria can be attained in human urine after oral ingestion of the oil. One early study found that horseradish extract may help people with urinary tract infections.³³ Further studies are necessary to confirm the safety and effectiveness of horseradish in treating urinary tract infections. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Horsetail	Refer to label instructions	Horsetail may relieve UTI symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
Horsetail Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), birch (Betula spp.), couch grass (Agropyron repens), goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), horsetail, Java tea (Orthosiphon stamineus), lovage (Levisticum officinale), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), spiny restharrow (Ononis spinosa), and nettle are approved in Germany as part of the therapy of people with UTIs. These herbs appear to work by increasing urinary volume and supposedly helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.³⁴ Juniper is used in a similar fashion by many doctors. Generally, these plants are taken as tea. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Java Tea	Refer to label instructions	Java tea may relieve UTI symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
Java Tea Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), birch (Betula spp.), couch grass (Agropyron repens), goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), horsetail, Java tea (Orthosiphon stamineus), lovage (Levisticum officinale), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), spiny restharrow (Ononis spinosa), and nettle are approved in Germany as part of the therapy of people with UTIs. These herbs appear to work by increasing urinary volume and supposedly helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.³⁵ Juniper is used in a similar fashion by many doctors. Generally, these plants are taken as tea.

Supplement	Amount	Why
Juniper	Refer to label instructions	Juniper may relieve UTI symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
Juniper Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), birch (Betula spp.), couch grass (Agropyron repens), goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), horsetail, Java tea (Orthosiphon stamineus), lovage (Levisticum officinale), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), spiny restharrow (Ononis spinosa), and nettle are approved in Germany as part of the therapy of people with UTIs. These herbs appear to work by increasing urinary volume and supposedly helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.³⁶ Juniper is used in a similar fashion by many doctors. Generally, these plants are taken as tea. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Lovage	Refer to label instructions	Lovage may relieve UTI symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
Lovage Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), birch (Betula spp.), couch grass (Agropyron repens), goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), horsetail, Java tea (Orthosiphon stamineus), lovage (Levisticum officinale), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), spiny restharrow (Ononis spinosa), and nettle are approved in Germany as part of the therapy of people with UTIs. These herbs appear to work by increasing urinary volume and supposedly helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.³⁷ Juniper is used in a similar fashion by many doctors. Generally, these plants are taken as tea.

Supplement	Amount	Why
Multivitamin	Refer to label instructions	Taking a multivitamin–mineral may help to avoid deficiencies and to better resist infections.
Multivitamin Since the immune system requires many nutrients in order to function properly, many people take a multivitamin-mineral supplement for “insurance.” In one double-blind trial, healthy elderly people who used such a supplement for one year showed improvements in immune function, as well as a significant reduction in the total number of infections (including non-urinary-tract infections).³⁸

Supplement	Amount	Why
Nettle	Refer to label instructions	Nettle may relieve UTI symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
Nettle Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), birch (Betula spp.), couch grass (Agropyron repens), goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), horsetail, Java tea (Orthosiphon stamineus), lovage (Levisticum officinale), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), spiny restharrow (Ononis spinosa), and nettle are approved in Germany as part of the therapy of people with UTIs. These herbs appear to work by increasing urinary volume and supposedly helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.³⁹ Juniper is used in a similar fashion by many doctors. Generally, these plants are taken as tea. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Oregon Grape	Refer to label instructions	Oregon grape contains berberine, an alkaloid that may prevent UTIs by inhibiting bacteria from adhering to the wall of the urinary bladder.
Oregon Grape Goldenseal is reputed to help treat many types of infections. It contains berberine, an alkaloid that may prevent UTIs by inhibiting bacteria from adhering to the wall of the urinary bladder.⁴⁰ Goldenseal and other plants containing berberine (such as Oregon grape) may help in the treatment of UTIs. These herbs have not, however, been studied for the treatment of UTIs in humans. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Parsley	Refer to label instructions	Parsley may relieve UTI symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
Plantain	Refer to label instructions	Plantain has anti-inflammatory effects an may be beneficial in some people with UTIs.
Plantain Because of the anti-inflammatory effects of plantain, it may be beneficial in some people with UTIs. However, human trials have not been done to confirm this possibility or to confirm the traditional belief that plantain is diuretic.⁴¹ What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Spiny Restharrow	Refer to label instructions	Spiny restharrow may relieve UTI symptoms by increasing urinary volume and helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
Spiny Restharrow Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), birch (Betula spp.), couch grass (Agropyron repens), goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), horsetail, Java tea (Orthosiphon stamineus), lovage (Levisticum officinale), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), spiny restharrow (Ononis spinosa), and nettle are approved in Germany as part of the therapy of people with UTIs. These herbs appear to work by increasing urinary volume and supposedly helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.⁴² Juniper is used in a similar fashion by many doctors. Generally, these plants are taken as tea.

Supplement	Amount	Why
Uva Ursi	Refer to label instructions	Uva ursi may help treat UTIs by killing bacteria in the bladder and urinary tract.
Uva Ursi An extract of uva ursi is used in Europe and in traditional herbal medicine in North America, as a treatment for UTI.⁴³ This herb is approved in Germany for treatment of bladder infections.⁴⁴ The active constituent in uva ursi is arbutin. In the alkaline environment of the urine, arbutin is converted into another chemical, called hydroquinone, which kills bacteria. A generally useful amount of uva ursi tincture is 3–5 ml three times per day. Otherwise, 100–250 mg of arbutin in herbal extract capsules or tablets three times per day can be used. Uva ursi should only be used to treat a UTI under the close supervision of a physician. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Vitamin A	Refer to label instructions	Vitamin A deficiency increases the risk of many infection, supplementing with it may restore levels and help support the immune system.
Vitamin A Vitamin A deficiency increases the risk of many infections. Although much of the promising research with vitamin A supplements and infections has focused on measles,⁴⁵ vitamin A is also thought to be helpful in other infections. Some doctors recommend that people with urinary tract infections take vitamin A. A typical amount recommended to correct a deficiency is 10,000 to 25,000 IU per day. What Else Is This Supplement Used For? See Drug Interactions

References

Last Review: 05-11-2011

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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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