Medically reviewed by Poonam Patel, RN-BSN, CPNP

Vitamins for Urinary Incontinence - What Should You Take?

Urinary incontinence is a condition whereby an individual has a loss of bladder control resulting in the involuntary leakage of urine. This could happen at any age, but it is more common in the elderly community. In fact, according to the National Association for Continence, an estimated 25 million adults experience urinary incontinence in the United States! This number could be even higher, researchers suggest, as many cases go unreported due to embarrassment or lack of awareness of available treatments.

Urinary incontinence could be genetic, caused by weak pelvic floor muscles or underlying neurological conditions or prostate issues, but also could happen temporarily during pregnancy, from urinary tract infections, or as a side effect of certain medications.

While there are habits one could build to help manage urinary incontinence, such as drinking more water, or wearing incontinence products, vitamins can also offer health benefits! While there is no cure, essential vitamins can help improve incontinence symptoms in addition to helping your immune system.

Consult Your Healthcare Professional

Before we get into the best vitamins for urinary incontinence, you should be aware that the information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

It is important to consult with a medical professional prior to taking any vitamins or high dose supplements, especially if you have a known medical condition, are taking medication, or if you are pregnant or nursing. Some vitamins may cause allergic reactions or have the potential to cause side effects, so it is CRITICAL to discuss any potential risks with your healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement regimen. Now that that's done, let's get into it!

Which Vitamins Aid Urinary Incontinence?

1.Vitamin D

We all know Vitamin D as the vitamin we get from the sun, and it's generally known to be important for maintaining strong teeth and bone health, as well as supporting immune function and overall health. Still, some new studies have shown that a vitamin D deficiency can also be linked to urinary incontinence! Having normal vitamin D levels helps regulate the muscles in the bladder, leading to more effective management of an overactive bladder and less frequent urination.

How You Can Get Vitamin D:

Common sources of food that can help increase your vitamin D intake include fatty fish, like salmon, trout, and tuna, dairy products, like milk and yogurt, most breakfast cereals and fruit juices, and egg yolks! Additional benefits of adjusting your diet to these foods can be healthy weight loss, lowering high blood pressure, and more.

PRO TIP: Some mushrooms that are grown under UV light have more vitamin D in them than regular mushrooms!

Otherwise, the most effective way to reach normal vitamin D levels is through sun exposure, or, if you're living somewhere with minimal sunlight, vitamin D supplements can do the trick.

2.Vitamin B12

Another important organic substance to the incontinence game is Vitamin B12! Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in the nervous system, which controls the bladder. A deficiency in vitamin B12 is also generally dangerous and can lead to nerve damage (which also can contribute to urinary incontinence).

How You Can Get Vitamin B12:

Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal-based products such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. Some fortified plant-based foods like soy milk, breakfast cereals, and nutritional yeast can also be sources of vitamin B12, but the bioavailability of vitamin B12 in these plant-based sources can vary.

Otherwise, again, Vitamin B12 supplements can also do the trick!

3.Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the most popular vitamins for good reason! Vitamin C intake is also a helpful resource when it comes to urinary incontinence, as it can act as an antioxidant that can reduce inflammation in the bladder leading to decreased urinary urgency and improve overall bladder health.

How You Can Get Vitamin C:

The good news is Vitamin C is naturally found in many fruits and vegetables!

It's found mainly in citrus fruits, like oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and limes, as well as in berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries!

It's also found in other kinds of fruits like Kiwis, pineapples, papayas, mangoes, as well as in vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and tomatoes!

PRO TIP: Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid, and is actually water-soluble, which is why we carry great vitamin C supplements in tablet form and that dissolve in water!

4.Magnesium and Vitamin E

As we've learned, the nervous system is a big part of bladder control, and magnesium is essential for muscle function and nerve transmission, which is why it has been found to be effective in managing an overactive bladder. Vitamin E, on the other hand, is an antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation and improve overall bladder health.

However, more research is needed to confirm how effective both magnesium and vitamin E are in helping relieve symptoms associated with incontinence, as the current research has given mixed results.

WellBefore and You

Incontinence is a multi-layered issue, and you should discuss vitamin supplements with your healthcare before trying anything out on your own!

At WellBefore, we are proud to offer a wide range of non-prescription vitamins and incontinence products, including an extensive selection of adult diapers and pads that are designed to help manage the symptoms of an overactive bladder and provide you with the comfort and confidence you need to live an active, fulfilling life.

While incontinence is typically more common in older women and men, our products serve every age and are available in all sizes for both genders. Don't let urinary incontinence hold you back any longer!

Frequently Asked Questions