Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Do Supplements Help?

Answer:

What Is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when pathogens — most often bacteria — enter the urinary system and cause inflammation in the bladder, ureter, urethra, and/or kidneys (ISDA 2025; Flores-Mireles, Nat Rev Microbiol 2015). UTIs are typically treated with antibiotics, but some people experience recurrent episodes. For those individuals, certain supplements may help reduce the risk of recurrence while others may not help.

Supplements for Preventing Recurrent UTIs

Cranberry — Seems to help

Although cranberry juice and cranberry pills do not appear to treat an existing UTI, limited evidence suggests they may help reduce the risk of recurrence in women, with juice showing somewhat greater benefit. Experts recommend offering cranberry as a preventive option for women with recurrent UTIs, as well as for children and others at increased risk (Ackerman, J Urol 2026; Nelson, JAMA Netw Open 2024). For more details, see our Cranberry Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for cranberry juice and supplements.

D-Mannose — Insufficient evidence

Early studies suggested a possible benefit of D-mannose for preventing UTI recurrence, though many combined D-mannose with other ingredients. A later placebo-controlled trial found no preventive effect. Experts conclude that evidence is insufficient to determine whether D-mannose helps prevent recurrent UTIs, and people with recurring symptoms should be told that D-mannose alone may not be effective (Ackerman, J Urol 2026; Nelson, JAMA Netw Open 2024). For more information about the effects of D-mannose, including other uses and possible side effects, see our D-Mannose Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for D-mannose.

Probiotics — Insufficient evidence

Several small studies have assessed probiotics for preventing UTIs, but results are mixed and it's unclear which strains, if any, are effective. Experts conclude that there isn't enough evidence to recommend for or against using probiotics to prevent UTIs (Nelson, JAMA Netw Open 2024). For more details about other uses of probiotics, see our Probiotic Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for probiotics depending on the intended use.

The Bottom Line

There's no strong evidence that any supplement can treat an existing UTI, but moderate evidence suggests cranberry may help prevent recurrence.

Although some studies hint that D-mannose or probiotics might also help, results are inconsistent, and experts agree there isn't enough evidence to recommend either.