Cranberry, probiotic and vitamin C supplement stems UTIs in children

When you gotta go, you gotta go — there is nothing worse than having urinary tract infections (UTIs) that impede the flow, especially for children. And while antibiotics are the go-to treatment, consumers are increasingly seeking natural solutions that not only treat common ailments but also prevent them from occurring in the first place.

Researchers from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece conducted a study on the impact of a supplement containing cranberries, probiotics, and vitamin C on the incidence of urinary tract infections in children. This study filled a gap in pediatric research and demonstrated how dietary supplements can support health across all ages.

Why is this finished research so important and how does it align with current trends?

Combining scientifically based ingredients with complementary mechanisms of action aligns with the current trends observed by industry experts in practice.

"Since numerous studies have shown that cranberries have antibacterial adhesion properties and help maintain a healthy urinary system, they have always been the preferred berry for those seeking urinary system health," said Melanie Bush, Vice President of Science and Research at Artemis International, a raw material supplier specializing in berry powders and extracts.

She stated that fruits like cranberries, due to their friendliness and accessibility, are a solution suitable for all age groups of supplement users.

Related: The study found that a probiotic mixture can reduce the number of days with fever and pain in children with respiratory viruses "From a product development perspective, this is in line with what we observe in the market - parents and doctors are seeking safer and more natural alternatives, and probiotic products for children are becoming increasingly popular," said Kyle Phelps, Product Development Manager at Carnica Probiotics, a global probiotic manufacturer and supplier.

"This study further proves that these compound supplements can be a useful tool for children, able to align with the trend of more natural treatment for recurrent urinary tract infections in the women's health field, and make the intervention measures more extensive, thus having a broader market appeal."

Registered dietitian and consultant Marianne Walsh emphasized the importance of the dosage and form in children's supplements.

"By focusing on the actual research data for pediatric applications and appropriate dosages for age groups, one can gain a significant competitive advantage," she said.

Both Phelps and Walsh emphasized the combination of ingredients used in the supplement formula.

"These ingredients can work together to enhance the effect of cranberries alone on supporting urinary health," said Walsh. "This 36-milligram PAC (proanthocyanidins) standardized product uses a probiotic strain with a clear CFU (colony-forming unit) count record and an appropriate amount of vitamin C, resulting in clinically significant effects." She said.

Related content: From tiny intestines to significant impacts: The powerful potential of probiotics in children's health - webinar

Phelps also pointed out that the application of probiotics in children's supplements is increasingly being noticed and widely supporting immune health.

"Some strains have been proven in studies to enhance the body's natural defense capabilities by strengthening the connection between the gut and the immune system, which plays an important role in children's responses to daily viruses," he said.

Phelps also reminded that probiotics do not cure diseases, but can help reduce the incidence and severity of respiratory infections. The Supply Side Supplements Journal previously reported on a probiotic mixture beneficial for children with respiratory viruses.

What are the key conclusions that can be drawn from this prospective study?

Children who took the combined supplement had a lower incidence of urinary tract infections (UTI) during the product use period, and the effect was the same regardless of age and gender.

What supplement ingredients were studied?

The dietary supplement, marketed as Lactolevure Cran by Uni-Pharma Pharmaceutical Laboratory (Athens, Greece), contains 36 mg PACs from cranberry, 6 billion CFUs of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium longum and 250 mg vitamin C (ascorbic acid). The product is supplied as granules in sachets that are mixed with water before consumption.

What were the details of the clinical trial?

 Design: The trial was a “prospective, observational cohort study with self-controlled before-after design.” This means researchers monitored participants while taking the supplement and that each subject served as their own control.

Study size: 39 children, ages 3-16, with a history of recurrent UTIs.

Length: Subjects were followed for 12 months, with supplementation occurring during the first 3-6 months.

Dosage: Subjects consumed one sachet daily of the dietary supplement, which contained 36 mg PACs from cranberry, 6 billion CFUs probiotics (L. rhamnosus and B. longum) and 250 mg vitamin C.

Outcomes measured: Researchers recorded incidence of UTIs, presence and severity of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) – when urine flows backwards from bladder into ureter and kidneys) – and adverse reactions. Participants also had a kidney ultrasound at 6 months.

What were the results of this study on urinary tract infections in children?

The study found that children with recurrent UTIs and VUR experienced a significant reduction in mean number of episodes. Nearly 70% of the study participants did not have infections during follow-up. 

Researchers did not note any serious adverse events. Twelve percent of the participants reported experiencing mild gastrointestinal side effects.