People with overactive bladder, also known as OAB, have the urge to urinate frequently and urgently. This disrupts sleep, leading to lethargy or exhaustion. It may also adversely affect your career and social life by keeping you from leaving the house. Medicines are available, but many have side effects. Antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, D and E as well as the B vitamins, will help to address deficiencies associated with urinary incontinence and OAB, according to a University of Maryland Medical Center review in 2010.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system and fights against infectious diseases. Christopher Hobbs, in his book "Vitamins for Dummies," recommends vitamin A to support bladder health, alleviate urine leakage and treat bladder inflammation. Foods rich in vitamin A include eggs, oily fish, liver, dairy products, broccoli, spinach, carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, cantaloupe and apricots.
Vitamin C
Foods high in vitamin C include oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, kiwi, cantaloupe, red and green peppers and broccoli. A study of just over 2,000 women in the Boston area, reported in March 2011 in the journal "European Urology," found that in some cases vitamin C appeared to improve a weak urinary system and reduce feelings of a constantly full bladder. However, the study also found that those with a high intake of vitamin C from food and supplements were more likely to report symptoms of OAB.
Vitamin B6, Niacin and Vitamins D and E
According to a report by the Department of Health Sciences at the University of Leicester, increased amounts of vitamin B6 and niacin in the diet are associated with a decreased risk of onset of OAB symptoms. The report also highlights a significant link between higher levels of vitamin D in the diet and a decreased risk of OAB. Vitamin B6 is found in chicken, fish, pork, liver, kidney, whole grains, nuts and legumes. Niacin is found in lean meats, liver, poultry, milk, canned salmon and leafy green vegetables. Vitamin D sources include fortified milk and margarine, cheese, eggs, liver and salmon. If exposed to enough sunlight on a regular basis, the skin can synthesize vitamin D. Taking vitamin E helps prevent destruction of vitamins A and C. Sources include soybean and corn oil, wheat germ, leafy green vegetables and avocados.
Recommendations
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking a daily multivitamin containing vitamins A, C, D and E as well as the B vitamins and trace minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, zinc and selenium, to address nutritional deficiencies that may lead to OAB. The medical center also recommends drinking six to eight glasses of water a day.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Urinary Incontinence
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin A and Carotenoids
- "Vitamins for Dummies"; Christopher Hobbs; 1999
- Nutri-strategy; Nutrient Definitions and Food Sources; 2010
- "European Urology"; Intakes of Vitamins and Minerals in Relation to Urinary Incontinence, Voiding and Storage Symptoms in Women: A Cross-Sectional Analysis from the Boston Area Community Health Survey; Nancy N. Maserejian, et al.; March 2011
- PubMed.gov: Nutrient Composition of the Diet and the Development of Overactive Bladder: A Longitudinal Study in Women; H.M. Dallosso, et al; 2004
