It turns outlow vitamin Dlevels might be playing a sneaky role in this.
Peptides are molecules that have two or moreamino acids, which join together to form proteins.
These antimicrobial peptides are important for defending the body against bacterial infections, Dr. Davila says.
coli, Dr. Davila says.
Preliminary research on UTIs and vitamin D seems to point to a connection.
Studies have observed that individuals with recurrent UTIs often have lower levels of vitamin D, Dr. Davila says.
director of male infertility atNorthwell Staten Island University Hospital
Another 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis inThe Journal of Urology2had similar findings.
Can vitamin D help prevent UTIs?
Okay, a link between lower vitamin D levels and increased UTI risk is one thing.
But can getting enough vitamin Dpreventan infection?
But how much would you should probably prevent an infection?
Well, thats still unclear.
In theCell and Tissue Researchstudy, it was 2,000 IU daily.
All this to say, while the research is promising, take it with a bit of caution.
But that doesnt mean vitamin D isnt helpfulthe research is still evolving.
director of male infertility atNorthwell Staten Island University Hospital
Can vitamin D help once you already have a UTI?
Instead, stick to the standard treatments that are proven to work.
The best way to treat an uncomplicated UTI is with antibiotics, says Dr. Ross.
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
In the blood, its usually calculated as nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL).
According to both Drs.
But a lack of vitamin D can manifest in a variety of other ways, too.
Even 15 minutes of sun on your face (always wear SPF!)
can make a difference in your vitamin D levels.
Antibiotics are still the go-to treatment for bacterial UTIs.
Deng, Qi-Fei et al.
Vitamin D and Urinary Tract Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Annals of clinical and laboratory sciencevol.
49,1 (2019): 134-142.
Yuan, Penghui, et al.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Association between Vitamin D Status and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.
2021.Journal of Urology, vol.
6, WoltersKluwer, June 2021, pp.
coliurinary tract infection.Cell Tissue Res380, 669673 (2020).
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