Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are infections of any portion of your urinary system including your bladder, kidneys, ureters and urethra. UTIs host a painful array of symptoms, such as burning during urination and abdominal pain. While vitamins cannot treat UTIs, protecting against vitamin deficiencies can help boost your immune system and prevent infection. Talk to your doctor prior to using vitamins to prevent urinary tract infections.
Multivitamin
The University of Michigan Heath System, or UMHS, recommends taking one multivitamin per day to help boost your immune system and protect against infection. UMHS indicates that in a double-blind trial, healthy, elderly individuals who used a multivitamin supplement for one year were able to significantly reduce infections -- including urinary tract infections -- and boost their immune system. The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that a multivitamin should include antioxidant vitamins A, B complex, C and E. Trace minerals such as zinc, magnesium and calcium should also be included in your multivitamin.
Vitamin C
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends individuals prone to urinary tract infections consume 500 to 1,000 mg of vitamin C, once or twice per day. Vitamin C is essential for the health of your immune system and is also a powerful antioxidant. The UMHS indicates that vitamin C is able to inhibit the growth of E. coli. E.coli is the most common bacteria that causes urinary tract infections. Vitamin C can also increase the acidity of your urine. An increase in acidity makes it more difficult for bacteria to thrive.
Vitamin A
A vitamin A deficiency can increase your risk of developing urinary tract infections. The University of Michigan Health System indicates that doctors recommend 10,000 to 25,000 IU per day to help correct a vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A is an antioxidant that can help fight off and reduce your risk of developing infection. UMHS indicates research on vitamin A and infections is promising. However, this research is still in the works. Since high doses of vitamin A can lead to toxicity, use the vitamin only with a doctor's supervision.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in coldwater fish, such as salmon or halibut, as well as fish oil and fish oil capsules. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends one to two capsules of fish oil or 1 tbsp of fish oil one to two times per day. Omega-3 fatty acids can help to reduce inflammation, including inflammation of the lining of your bladder. Omega-3 fatty acids are also beneficial for your overall health. If you are on blood thinners, talk to your doctor prior to beginning an omega-3 fatty acid supplement. This supplement may increase the effects of your medication.
