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Probiotic supplement reduces recurrent UTIs in premenopausal women

A probiotic and cranberry supplement containing two strains of live bacteria and cranberry proanthocyanidins (PACs), plus vitamin A  has been shown to significantly lower the number of recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) in premenopausal women, as well as shortening the duration of active UTIs, and reducing the need for antibiotic treatment.

The study, which was published in the journal Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy, included 90 adult pre-menopausal women (18+) who had been diagnosed with rUTI, based on two or more episodes in the last six months, or three or more episodes in the last 12 months. During this double blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial, the patients received either the probiotic-cranberry supplement (one capsule twice per day), or a placebo over the duration of six months.

By the end of the six month trial, the incidence of rUTIs amongst those taking the probiotic and cranberry supplement versus the placebo was significantly reduced (e.g. 9.1% incidence in the probiotic and cranberry supplement group vs 33.3% in the placebo group) meaning those in the probiotic and cranberry group were almost 4 times less likely to experience a UTI than the placebo group.