Urinary tract infections may affect the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra, and cause symptoms such as frequent, painful urination, fever, lower abdominal pain and nausea. Anatomical abnormalities of the urinary tract, enlarged prostate, urine retention in the bladder and a weak immune system are some of the major contributing factors to this problem, which affects millions of people each year. Apart from medications, certain vitamin supplements may help prevent and manage urinary tract infections. Always speak to a doctor before using vitamin supplements as prevention for a UTI. Apart from maintaining healthy bones, teeth, skin and mucous membranes, vitamin A also helps regulate the functioning of the immune system. The National Institute of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements states that vitamin A helps produce white blood cells and lymphocytes, which destroy harmful bacteria, fungi and viruses that cause a variety of infections, including those of the urinary tract.
Vitamin A can be found in foods such as eggs, meat, fish, and dairy products. Vitamin A supplements also help boost the immune system. However, it is important to follow dosage instructions, as overdose of vitamin A can lead to dizziness, headache, and bone and muscle pain. Vitamin C is a water soluble, antioxidant vitamin that is essential for the repair and maintenance of body tissues. Vitamin C is also acidic in nature. As such, the National Urologic and Kidney Diseases Information Clearinghouse recommends vitamin C-rich foods such as citrus fruits, strawberries, green leafy vegetables and green peppers, as well as synthetic vitamin C supplements, to acidify the urine and prevent the growth of the bacteria in the urinary tract. An overdose of vitamin C can, however, lead to nausea and upset stomach. Vitamin B6 is another water-soluble vitamin that helps the immune system produce proteins known as antibodies to fight the pathogens responsible for urinary tract and other infections.
Along with foods such as beans, nuts, legumes, eggs, meats and whole grains, vitamin B6 can also be obtained from B complex supplements. However, large doses of this vitamin can cause neurological disorders and numbness. Hence, it is best to talk to a doctor before taking them. The University of Maryland Medical Center also recommends taking a multivitamin supplement consisting of vitamin A, C, E, and the B complex, along with minerals such as calcium, magnesium and zinc for the overall functioning of the immune system and the maintenance of muscles and tissues of the urinary tract. Though, these supplement do not treat existing urinary tract infections and cannot substitute any prescribed treatments, they can help prevent future infections. Asparagus for Urinary Tract Infections Goldenseal for UTI Symptoms Foods to Eat When You Have Urinary Tract Infection Should You Avoid Certain Foods With a UTI? Can Vitamins, Minerals or Herbs Cause UTIs? Will Fresh Garlic Help Heal a Urinary Tract Infection?
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With WebMD's Medicine Cabinet, you can check interactions with drugs.If you see a change in your urine color, and you're taking B vitamins, don't panic. Depending on the amounts and combinations of B vitamins you take, you may experience changes in urine color. Your urine could turn orange or green. B vitamin complex may include up to eight B vitamins: B-1, thiamine; and folate, the synthetic form of which is called folic acid. If you take B vitamins in large doses, you may also experience other side effects, some serious. Consult your doctor before taking vitamin B supplements or if you experience any side effects while using them. Also seek medical attention if you experience pain while urinating along with a change in urine color. Although changes in the color of your urine may alarm you, most causes are fairly benign. If you eat rhubarb, blackberries or beets, for instance, your urine may turn red. Some laxatives, wines and anti-psychotic medications may turn your urine red.
If your urine turns orange, eating carrots or winter squash as well as taking laxatives or vitamin B-2 -- riboflavin -- may be the cause. No particular B vitamin will turn your urine green, but some combinations of B vitamins found in complex formulas may. Other harmless causes of green or blue urine include asparagus and some anti-nausea and stomach ulcer medications. If your diet includes fava beans or aloe, your urine may turn dark brown. Some changes in urine color signify medical problems, including two linked to overuse of B vitamins. If you have kidney disease, vitamin B-3, also known as niacin, can worsen your condition. Blood in your urine may be a sign of kidney disease, although blood can also signal such conditions as a urinary tract infection, bladder stones or kidney or bladder cancer, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Taking vitamin B-3 in high doses can also damage your liver. Both kidney disease and liver disease may turn your urine dark brown.
If you take more than 100 milligrams of B-3 daily, you should get your liver checked periodically. If you have any concerns about changes in your urine color, contact your doctor. If your urine turns orange or green from taking B vitamins, let the change serve as a reminder to check for other possible side effects. Some B vitamin supplements contain excessive amounts of vitamins -- more than 6,000 percent of the recommended daily allowance -- and taking high amounts could cause both moderate and severe side effects. Common side effects of taking B vitamins include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and headaches. More serious side effects -- in addition to kidney and liver damage -- include vision loss, heartbeat irregularities, blood sugar imbalances and nerve and brain problems. If you don’t want to worry about changes in your urine color or other side effects of B vitamins, you could simply stop taking them. According to Harvard School of Public Health, it is not always easy to get all of your B vitamins in your diet.
You may benefit from taking B vitamin supplements if you suffer from a deficiency or certain medical conditions, such as osteoarthritis, high cholesterol or migraine headaches. Persons susceptible to developing deficiencies in one or more B vitamins include vegans, adults older than 50, persons who drink excessive amounts of alcohol, anyone with a malabsorption condition and women who take birth control pills. If you believe B vitamins might benefit you, talk to you doctor about risks, benefits and appropriate doses. How Does Vitamin B Complex Help Your Body? B-Complex Vitamin Benefits & Side Effects Are High Doses of Vitamin B6 Really Dangerous? B Vitamin Overdose Symptoms What Are the Side Effects of Super B Complex? Is Royal Jelly Equal to B-Complex? How to Lose Leg Fat in Thirty Days Vitamin B Overdose Treatment What Happens to Your Body If You Have a Lot of Vitamin B? B12 & B Complex Injections How Much Vitamin B Complex Should a Person Take in a Day?