Bladder Control Supplements for Incontinence

Many people seek natural treatments for non-serious medical conditions, like urinary incontinence. But can bladder control supplements really improve bladder health and be effective in treating incontinence?

Natural supplements have become a popular alternative to prescription drugs for several reasons. They often cost less and, in some cases, cause fewer side effects.

However, remember that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not evaluate dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they are sold to the public.

Supplements can also take several weeks to months to be effective. They can also interact and interfere with some medications, worsen pre existing medical conditions, and interfere with test results.

Always talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before using any bladder control supplement or natural alternative.

What is the Best Bladder Control Supplement?

The best bladder control supplement for you will depend on your health, age, sex, and any pre existing diagnoses.

Older women may have an overactive bladder and poor pelvic floor tone. Men may have an enlarged prostate, causing pressure on the bladder. Diabetics may experience overflow incontinence.

Different vitamins, minerals and supplement blends may work for one condition, but not another.

What Vitamins Help with Bladder Control?

Vitamin C
Researchers have conducted a number of studies to evaluate the effectiveness of vitamin C as a bladder control supplement.

One study found that taking high doses of vitamin C helped women reduce frequent daytime urination and urgency. This study also found that taking more than 2000 mg of vitamin C worsened symptoms of overactive bladder. [1]

Another effective way to increase vitamin C intake is eating the right foods. Citrus fruits, peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, leafy greens, potatoes, and tomatoes have lots of vitamin C.

Vitamin D
Many studies have shown a link between vitamin D deficiency and incontinence-related issues such as overactive bladder.

One study linked vitamin D deficiency with a higher risk of pelvic floor disorders and incontinence in older females. [2]

Another study found that taking vitamin D helped post-menopausal women with urge incontinence. It reduced the severity of incontinence and nighttime urination (Nocturia) and improved the quality of their daily life. [3]

One way to help fight vitamin D deficiency is increased sun exposure. When this is not possible, you can also find vitamin D in fish (e.g., salmon, trout, and herring) and dairy. Supplemental vitamin D + K2 is another effective way to ward off vitamin D deficiency if diet alone is insufficient.

Magnesium
Magnesium is essential to healthy muscle and nerve function including bladder muscles. The use of magnesium also shows promise in reducing bladder spasms often associated with incontinence.

A few studies have shown a marked improvement in overactive bladder and urge incontinence in women given magnesium hydroxide. [4]

Green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains are good sources of magnesium. Breakfast cereals can also contain added magnesium.

Other Natural Supplements for Bladder Control

Pumpkin
Bladder control supplements containing pumpkin seeds used in combination with soy protein show promise in treating overactive bladder and urge incontinence.

One clinical study on women with stress incontinence showed a reduction in the number of urinary incontinence episodes (daytime and nighttime urination frequency) after 12 weeks. [5]

Another study on men showed improvement in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life, and Nocturia after 12 weeks. [6]

The combination of pumpkin seed extract and soy protein has also been shown to offer some protection against prostate cancer. [7][8]