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

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

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.

More about Lactobacillus
More about Urinary Tract Infections

Other ingredients used for Urinary Tract Infections

Alfalfa
Aloe vera
anthocyanins
asparagus
astragalus
bacillus subtilis
barberry
bearberry
berberine
berry flavor
black currant
radish
cassia bark
celery
cranberry
cucumber
D-mannose
dandelion
dong quai root
Melon
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
fennel
fenugreek
fruit blend (proprietary)
fu ling
gokhru
goldenseal
green tea
hibiscus
Indian gum arabic tree
honeysuckle
knotweed
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus brevis
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus crispatus
Lactobacillus fermentum
Lactobacillus gasseri
Lactobacillus jensenii
Lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus salivarius
lophatherum leaf
Methenamine
okra
ophiopogon root
pumpkin
pygeum
sage
vitamin C
Watercress
Watermelon
Mulberry
sarsaparilla
cardamom
smilax
Swertia
goldenrod
pau d'arco
juniper berries
cornsilk
buchu
birch
couch grass
sheep's sorrel
hydrangea
purslane
coix
shepherd's purse
goji berry
gravel root
Akebia
apple cider vinegar
Angelica
arbutin
Agave
Agrimony
Aronia melanocarpa
Achyranthes
anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Alchemilla
asafoetida
aucubin
Aerva lanata
Adzuki bean
Agrimonia pilosa
Alisma
Abuta
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
bergenin
Berberis (unspecified)
big quaking grass
bael
black gram
Bauhinia
baobab
baicalin
Bergenia
bottle gourd
cloudberry
Cucurbita
coriander
Clerodendrum phlomidis
carvacrol
chanca piedra
Coconut Water
Cistus
cubeb
Crinum latifolium
Coin-leaf desmodium
corn
carambola
Cynodon dactylon
currant
dwarf morning glory
Desmodium
Euryale seed
fleabane
Graviola
Galium
Guazuma ulmifolia
heather
horse gram
Houttuynia
hydroxyquinoline
Java tea
Job\'s tears
Kachnar
knotgrass
Lactobacillus plantarum
lime
Lactobacillus pentosus
Lomatium
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lophira lanceolata
Lespedeza capitata
Long Buchu
lingonberry
Lactobacillus
Loranthus
Lysimachia
Longleaf buchu
Mezoneuron benthamianum
Mung bean
Marsh Tea
Mormon Tea
Methyl arbutin
mannose
manzanita
Oldenlandia diffusa
Ovate Buchu
Pata de Vaca
Phragmites
Pepper Bark Tree
Pelargonium
Pareira
Pedalium
pointed gourd
Pedra hume
Pipsissewa
Pyrola
Palo Azul
rosthorn snake gourd
Rhus coriaria
Rosa laevigata
Rumex acetosa
Sambucus nigra
Spiny Restharrow
Semecarpus anacardium
saponins
Scirpus
Stachytarpheta cayennensis
Stone Root
Shilajit
Tannins
Tribuloside
Taraxacum
Taraxol
Vasicine
Withanolides

Products containing Lactobacillus

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.