Living with a urostomy, you’re probably aware that urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be an unwelcome part of the journey. In most cases, UTIs are mild and short lived but they can sometimes be debilitating, affecting your quality of life.
While antibiotics are an effective treatment for most urinary infections, you might want to explore over-the-counter supplements that could reduce your risk of recurrent UTIs.
Read our guide to the most common options and what to consider before trying them.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Vitamin C makes your wee more acidic. Many UTI-causing bacteria, such as E. coli, prefer a neutral – or slightly alkaline environment – so a lower pH could make it harder for them to flourish. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant and supports immune function.
Pros:
- Can discourage some bacterial growth
- Supports the immune system and reduces inflammation
- Affordable and easy to find
Cons:
- Effect varies from person to person
- High doses over time can lead to kidney stones in susceptible people
Cranberries and cranberry products
Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins (PACs), which may prevent bacteria – especially E. coli – sticking to the urinary tract lining.
While some studies show a modest benefit, particularly for women with recurrent UTIs, others find little effect.
Please note that if you have been prescribed Warfarin, you should avoid cranberries and cranberry products.
This is because they may increase the effect of your medication, putting you at higher risk of bleeding.
Cranberry juice:
Pros: Easily available and when consumed in large amounts, may bring relief for UTI symptoms by flushing the urinary tract
Cons: Shop-bought cranberry juices are diluted with other juices and contain high amounts of added sugars. This can counteract the benefits and contribute to other health issues like weight gain or diabetes.
Cranberry capsules or powders:
Pros: These can provide a concentrated form of cranberries without the added sugars found in juice. They’re also standardised, so they contain specific amounts of active ingredients known to inhibit bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall.
Cons: Quality can vary between brands. Be sure to choose products from reputable manufacturers who provide information about PAC content.
Whole or dried cranberries:
Pros: Eating whole cranberries or dried cranberries (with no added sugar) can be a healthy way to ingest bacteria-preventing PACs naturally. Whole cranberries also contain other beneficial nutrients, plus fibre.
Cons: Dried cranberries often contain added sugar, negating some health benefits. As whole cranberries are tart, some people find them unpalatable.
D-Mannose
D-Mannose is a naturally occurring sugar that binds to E. coli, stopping the bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract so they can be flushed out in your urine.
A 2013 study found it as effective as a common antibiotic for preventing recurrent UTIs, with fewer side effects. However, a 2024 UK trial in primary care found daily D-Mannose didn’t significantly reduce confirmed UTIs, though results may differ in more complex patients.
Pros:
- Generally well-tolerated
- May be helpful for some people with recurrent E. coli infections
Cons:
- Not effective against all bacteria
- May cause mild bloating or diarrhoea
- Often more expensive than other supplements
Probiotics
Probiotics are live micro-organisms. Often referred to as ‘good’ gut bacteria, they play a key role in supporting gut health by helping to balance the digestive system.
A lesser-known benefit of probiotics is their impact on the immune system. Around 70% of the body’s immune cells reside in the gut, making gut health a key player in immune defence and therefore beneficial for urinary health.
Pros:
- Generally safe for most people
- Can be taken as supplements or through fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, or sauerkraut
Cons:
- Strain-specific benefits mean not all products are equally effective
- Can take time to see results
Vaginal oestrogen
Falling oestrogen levels after menopause can alter vaginal flora, making it easier for harmful bacteria to thrive. Topical oestrogen can help restore the natural balance and reduce the risk of UTIs.
Widely supported in clinical research, vaginal oestrogen is often recommended for women with recurrent UTIs linked to menopause. You may be able to get it on prescription from your GP, and it is also available over the counter.
Pros:
- Can be very effective for some women
- Available as cream or pessary
Cons:
- Needs ongoing use to maintain benefits
Maintain a healthy diet
Supplements may help protect you from UTIs, but they should not be taken as a substitute for the healthy, balanced diet you need to stay well. Including plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean proteins should supply you with the necessary nutrients to protect your immunity.
Keep well hydrated
As well as being vital to daily living, keeping your fluid levels up is one of the most effective ways to reduce your chances of developing a urinary infection.
Depending on your size, level of activity and the weather, aim for two to three litres of water each day. This will help to flush out any bacteria.
Read our Keep hydrated to stay healthy page for more information and tips.
When to seek medical advice
While supplements can be part of a prevention plan, they are not a substitute for professional care.
Look out for UTI symptoms, which might include those listed below. Speak to your GP if you notice these signs, as you may need to be treated with an antibiotic.
- Dark, cloudy or strong-smelling wee
- Wee tinged with blood
- Pain around your stoma or kidney area (the flank or back)
- Raised temperature, feeling feverish or clammy
- Feeling confused
- Feeling tired and ‘out of sorts’
And finally …
When it comes to supplements, what works well for one person may do little for another. Be open to a bit of trial and error, guided by your healthcare team.
