Vitamin D & Bladder Health

What does Vitamin D do for my bladder health?

Bladder health and Vitamin D, what is the connection? Vitamin D synthesis begins when a chemical in our skin is converted by sunlight into pre-vitamin D3. Additionally, vitamin D is found largely in our diets: in fatty fish, milk products, and fortified cereals. This vitamin in turn helps with our body’s immune health and helps to prevent the incidence of infection.

How does vitamin D help your bladder?

When it comes to bladder and overall urinary system health, it has been seen that decreased levels of vitamin D in the bloodstream have been linked to an overactive bladder and increased risk of urinary tract infections.

Does vitamin D help with urinary incontinence?

An overactive bladder is associated with urinating more than twice nightly, very frequent daily urination, and incontinence (inability to hold urine in). Urinary tract infections are best described as pain in the bladder region, frequent urination, painful burning with urination, foul-smelling urine, or hematuria (blood in urine).

Can vitamin D affect the urinary tract?

The bladder detrusor muscle includes many vitamin D receptors. Multiple studies have suggested that a significant correlation between vitamin D supplementation and effective treatment of urinary incontinence exists. Furthermore, it is well known that vitamin D can augment the immune response against urinary tract infections. Therefore, is it important that adequate amounts of the vitamin be consumed and that individuals get at least 15 minutes of sun exposure daily to utilize all the protective properties of vitamin D.

How can I supplement my Vitamin D intake? 

Most diets and sun/environmental exposure should provide an adequate amount of Vitamin D.  If you stay indoors for prolonged periods of time, or live in areas with poor sun exposure (Winters in the East Coast, rainy Northwest), taking a Vitamin D supplement or daily multivitamin may suffice. Vitamin D is just one part of general health along with bladder health, but a diet rich in antioxidants, and low in bladder stimulants (caffeine, carbonated drinks, energy drinks, coffees, and teas) along with adequate hydration is important for general bladder health as well. If your symptoms continue or persist despite the above,  come see us at Austin Urological Institute for a proper evaluation and review of options to get you feeling your best.