Dietary Supplement for Recurrent Cystitis: Results of a Clinical Study
Urinary tract infections (UTIs), particularly recurrent cystitis, are among the most common conditions in women of reproductive age and beyond. It is estimated that around 50% of women will experience at least one episode of cystitis in their lifetime, with recurrence rates between 20–40%. This issue significantly affects quality of life and often leads to repeated use of antibiotics, contributing to the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
In light of this, there is growing interest in alternative approaches based on natural ingredients and probiotics. A recent clinical study investigated the efficacy of a dietary supplement containing Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, cranberry extract, and cinnamon extract—rich in A-type proanthocyanidins (PAC-A)—in preventing episodes of recurrent cystitis.
Study Objective
This prospective and controlled study evaluated the impact of the supplement on the incidence of symptomatic cystitis episodes over a 6-month period. It also monitored urinary symptoms and quality of life using the validated ACSS (Acute Cystitis Symptom Score) questionnaire.
Composition of the Tested Supplement
The supplement administered to participants (2 tablets per day) contained:
- 100 mg of cranberry extract (Vaccinium macrocarpon) standardized to ≥15% A-type PACs
- 320 mg of cinnamon extract (Cinnamomum cassia) standardized to ≥8% A-type PACs
- 5 billion colony-forming units (CFU) of probiotic strains L. helveticus LA401 and L. plantarum LA402
These ingredients are known for their antimicrobial properties, anti-adhesion activity, and ability to modulate the vaginal and intestinal microbiota.
Study Design and Population
The study involved 80 women aged 18 to 65 who had experienced at least two episodes of symptomatic bacterial cystitis in the previous six months. The participants were divided into two groups:
- Supplemented group: 37 women who took the supplement for 6 months.
- Control group: 38 women who received no treatment.
Exclusion criteria included complex urological conditions, recent antibiotic or probiotic use, use of vaginal estrogens, and chronic conditions such as diabetes or pregnancy. Assessment was carried out using the ACSS questionnaire, administered throughout the 8-month study period.
Results: Reduction in Cystitis and Symptom Improvement
Reduction in Cystitis Episodes
During the 6-month treatment period, 64.9% of women who took the supplement experienced no episodes of cystitis, compared to only 31.6% in the control group. Additionally, the average number of episodes dropped from 2 to 0.5 in the supplemented group, compared to 1.7 in the control group. These differences were statistically significant (p=0.004).
Benefits were observed as early as the third month and continued through the end of the study. Even in the two months following the end of supplementation, the treated group continued to show lower recurrence rates.
Improvement in Urinary Symptoms and Quality of Life
Thanks to the use of the ACSS questionnaire, a significant reduction in symptoms such as urinary urgency, burning, frequent urination, and the feeling of incomplete bladder emptying was documented. Women in the supplemented group experienced a total of 67 days with acute symptoms, compared to 175 days in the control group.
Moreover, the negative impact on daily, work, and social activities was significantly lower among women taking the supplement. The overall quality of life score was also significantly better in the treated group.
Safety, Compliance, and Satisfaction
The supplement proved to be well tolerated. Only 10.8% of women reported mild adverse events, such as vaginal irritation or yeast infections, with no confirmed link to the supplement. Compliance was very high, with an average adherence rate of 98.3%.
Satisfaction levels were also high: 97.3% of the women reported being satisfied at the end of the 6-month treatment period, and satisfaction rose to 100% by the end of the study.
Comparison with Other Clinical Studies
The results obtained are consistent with those of previous studies on the use of cranberry and probiotics in UTI prevention. Cranberry proanthocyanidins are known to inhibit the adhesion of Escherichia coli to bladder epithelial cells, while Lactobacillus species help restore a protective vaginal microbiota, creating a hostile environment for pathogens.
Other studies have also shown that cinnamon has a synergistic effect with cranberry in inhibiting bacterial adhesion. Furthermore, these natural ingredients have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-biofilm, and immune-supporting properties, which may explain the persistence of protective effects even after supplementation ends.
Conclusion
Daily intake for six months of a supplement containing Lactobacillus helveticus LA401, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LA402, cranberry, and cinnamon demonstrated clinically significant efficacy in preventing recurrent cystitis in women. The treatment reduced the frequency of episodes, alleviated symptoms, and improved quality of life.
The supplement also proved to be safe, well tolerated, and highly appreciated by users. Based on these results, it may represent a valid natural alternative to antibiotics in the management of recurrent UTIs, while also contributing to the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
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