Evidence supporting the use of: Lactobacillus
For the health condition: Urinary Tract Infections

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lactobacillus species, particularly Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri, have been studied for their potential to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially in women prone to recurrent infections. The scientific rationale stems from their role as dominant members of the healthy vaginal microbiota, where they help maintain an acidic pH and produce antimicrobial substances that inhibit the growth of uropathogens like Escherichia coli. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have examined probiotic use, primarily as oral or intravaginal supplements, for UTI prevention. Results suggest that certain Lactobacillus strains may reduce UTI recurrence rates, though the effect is modest and often not statistically significant across all studies. The quality of evidence is limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneity in strains and formulations, and inconsistent outcomes.

Current clinical guidelines do not universally recommend Lactobacillus for UTI treatment or prevention but acknowledge its potential as a low-risk adjunct, especially for individuals seeking alternatives to antibiotics. Systematic reviews (e.g., Grin et al., 2013; Schwenger et al., 2015) report a possible benefit, but highlight the need for larger, high-quality trials to confirm efficacy. Thus, while there is some scientific validation for Lactobacillus in UTI prevention—primarily as a preventive rather than a treatment—the overall strength of evidence is low to moderate.

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Products containing Lactobacillus

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