Recurrent urinary tract infections are common in kids. Frequent antibiotics can lead to side effects and antibiotic resistance. A new study suggests a natural alternative.
Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) are not only a pain in themselves for kids, they can lead to long-term kidney complications, especially in kids with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). VUR is a condition in which urine flows in the wrong direction. Instead of staying in the bladder until you urinate, if flows back into the ureter or kidney. It is most common in kids and can cause bacteria to get into the kidney where it can cause an infection, which can lead to kidney damage.
This study included 39 children between 3 and 16, some of whom had VUR. They were given a combo of cranberry extract, standardized for 36 mg proanthocyanidins, probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium longum) and 250mg of vitamin C a day for 6 months followed by a 6 month observation period.
Cranberry is one of the most studied and most effective natural remedies for recurrent UTIs. Probiotics and vitamin C have both also been shown to reduce UTI recurrences.
In this study, the combo significantly reduced UTI recurrence. The average number of UTIs went down from 3 to 0 in kids without VUR and from 2 to 0 in kids with. 69.2% of the kids had no infection throughout the year. The others had fewer UTIs than they did before taking the supplement.
The supplement was well tolerated, and there were no serious adverse events.
J Diet Suppl. 2026;23(2):205-216.