Prevent Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections with This Natural Combo

Recurrent urinary tract infections are common in kids. Frequent antibiotics can

lead to side effects and antibiotic resistance. A new study suggests a natural

alternative.

Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) are not only a pain in themselves for

kids, they can lead to long-term kidney complications, especially in kids with

vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). VUR is a condition in which urine flows in the wrong

direction. Instead of staying in the bladder until you urinate, if flows back into the

ureter or kidney. It is most common in kids and can cause bacteria to get into the

kidney where it can cause an infection, which can lead to kidney damage.

This study included 39 children between 3 and 16, some of whom had VUR.

They were given a combo of cranberry extract, standardized for 36 mg

proanthocyanidins, probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium

longum) and 250mg of vitamin C a day for 6 months followed by a 6 month

observation period.

Cranberry is one of the most studied and most effective natural remedies for

recurrent UTIs. Probiotics and vitamin C have both also been shown to reduce

UTI recurrences.

In this study, the combo significantly reduced UTI recurrence. The average

number of UTIs went down from 3 to 0 in kids without VUR and from 2 to 0 in

kids with. 69.2% of the kids had no infection throughout the year. The others had

fewer UTIs than they did before taking the supplement.

The supplement was well tolerated, and there were no serious adverse events.

J Diet Suppl. 2026;23(2):205-216.