According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, over half of women are likely to experience a urinary tract infection--or UTI--at some point in their lifetime. UTIs are less common in men. While vitamin C--or ascorbic acid--is not a treatment for a UTI, it can help boost your immune system and prevent further infections.
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections can affect any portion of your urinary system, including your kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra. UTIs are caused by bacteria entering your urinary system. This can occur as the result of sexual activity, being female, having diabetes, being pregnant or holding your urine for extended periods of time. Urinary tract infections may be indicated by abdominal pain, chills, fever, frequent urination, pain or burning during urination, cloudy or blood-colored urine, foul smelling urine and the frequent urge to urinate while voiding little urine.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect you have a UTI, you will need to visit with a physician. UTIs are rarely dangerous. However, left untreated they can spread to your kidneys. A medical history and a brief physical examination will be performed. Your doctor will also collect a urine specimen for analysis. If a UTI is confirmed, you will be placed on a course of antibiotics to clear up your infection. You will also be advised to take over-the-counter pain medications and drink plenty of fluids.
Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic acid is another name for vitamin C. Ascorbic acid is a vitamin known to help boost your immune system. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, cranberry juice, strawberries, tomatoes and sweet red peppers. Vitamin C is a highly effective antioxidant. Antioxidants can help prevent bacteria from sticking to the lining of your bladder. The acidic properties of many of the foods containing vitamin C--including oranges--can also create more acidic urine. Bacteria is unable to thrive in acid. The immune system boosting properties of ascorbic acid can also help prevent recurring urinary tract infections.
Dosages
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that individuals who experience frequent urinary tract infections consume 500 to 1,000mg of vitamin C daily to serve as an antioxidant and immune support. Oregon State University recommends that healthy adult females over the age of 19 consume 75mg of vitamin C per day. Males should consume 90mg daily. Talk to your doctor prior to beginning an ascorbic acid supplement.
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