Examples of the problems associated with urinary tract health

1. Menopause Rates of UTIs are higher in postmenopausal women for a few reasons.

Bladder or uterine prolapse may result in incomplete bladder emptying and urinary stasis, which can promote pathogen growth. Additionally, decreased oestrogen levels after menopause alter vaginal flora, including a reduction in lactobacilli, and may increase susceptibility to infection.

2. Sexual activity

UTIs are common in women aged 18-30, often linked to sexual activity, which accounts for 75–90% of bladder infections in this group. Frequent sex increases risk, and using spermicides or diaphragms further raises UTI risk by altering vaginal flora and reducing lactobacilli.

3. Recent instrumentation of the urinary tract (e.g. catheterisation, cystoscopy, urodynamic studies) The insertion of foreign instruments into the urinary tract promotes the translocation of bacteria colonised around the peri-urethral area into the bladder and other parts of the urinary tract. This increases the risk of developing bacteria (presence of bacteria in the urine) in significant numbers eventually leading to a UTI.

4. Foreign bodies (e.g. catheters, urinary stones) Urinary catheters are the most important risk factors for bacteriuria. Catheters introduce organisms into the bladder and promote colonisation by providing a foreign surface for bacteria to adhere to and by causing irritation of the bladder mucosa.

80 percent of UTIs that occur while in hospitals or healthcare institutions are related to urethral catheterisation, and 5-10 percent are related to manipulation of the genito-urinary tract. Urinary stones similarly irritate the bladder as well as provide a nidus for bacteria to adhere to, thereby increasing the risk of developing a UTI.

5. Neurological disorders, drugs or pelvic organ prolapse
These conditions may cause incomplete emptying of the bladder, thereby promoting stasis of urine which increases the risk of UTI development.

6. Medical conditions (e.g. diabetes) Diabetes leading to glycosuria (sugar in the urine) makes for fertile breeding ground for bacteria. A study showed that 9.4 percent of patients with Type 2 diabetes had a UTI compared to only 5.7 percent of people without diabetes.

7. Poor hygiene or hot and humid conditions can build up bad bacteria growth in the vagina area.

Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most prevalent conditions in humans, particularly affecting women. Research from the SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre indicates that 20% of women between the ages of 20 and 65 will experience at least one episode of UTI annually, and approximately 50% will have at least one UTI during their lifetime.

Antibiotics generally provide effective treatment for UTIs; however, there is growing concern within the medical community regarding the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Many clinicians hesitate to prescribe antibiotics unnecessarily, as excessive use is thought to contribute to the development of these so-called “superbugs.” Antibiotic resistance is further exacerbated by the fact that these medications eliminate both harmful and beneficial bacteria.

Alarmingly, the frequency of infections caused by resistant organisms is expected to increase, potentially resulting in limited therapeutic options. As a result, healthcare professionals are increasingly investigating alternative therapies to both treat and prevent bacterial infections such as UTIs. Although antibiotics are currently effective in most cases, ongoing resistance trends raise concerns about long-term efficacy.

This issue warrants particular attention for individuals who experience recurrent UTIs, as repeated infections are common. A 2012 study published in the journal *Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy* analyzed UTI cases in the United States from 2000 to 2010. The study found a fivefold increase in UTIs caused by E. coli strains that were resistant to antibiotics. Over the same period, the proportion of antibiotic-resistant UTIs rose from 18% to 24%.

Lactocran + Probiotics

Why Lactocran + for urinary tract management?
E. coli is responsible for 90% of urinary tract infections, and LactoCran is specifically developed to support the management of E. coli. The probiotic formulation provides a synergistic triple effect by combining clinically validated Maxx-Cran cranberry extract with prebiotics to inhibit the pathogenic activity of several common bacteria.

Lactocran + UTI Probiotics is an advanced supplement that features patented and clinically studied Maxx-Cran cranberry extract, along with 19 distinct probiotic strains and prebiotics. This triple-action formula supports the maintenance of urinary tract health and promotes balanced vaginal microbiota.

Patented Maxx-Cran - The world's most powerful cranberry extract

Understanding CranMax
Maxx-Cran is a clinically researched cranberry extract delivered via Exo-shield technology, a patented system that protects the ingredient as it passes through the digestive tract and ensures optimal absorption in the lower gastrointestinal system.

Clinical studies have demonstrated that Maxx-Cran supports urinary tract cleansing. Research indicates that proanthocyanidins (PACs), particularly A-type PACs found abundantly in cranberries, contribute to urinary tract health.

Additionally, anthocyanins present in cranberries act as natural antioxidants to support overall well-being.

Each serving of Maxx-Cran in LactoCran contains 50mg of PACs, the highest concentration available on the market. Studies show that even 36mg of PACs can effectively promote a healthy urinary tract system. Maxx-Cran offers a significant source of PACs and anthocyanins; a single 560 mg dose, as found in Lactocran+, contains more anthocyanins than seven glasses of cranberry juice cocktail, without the added sugar.

Maxx-Cran is distinguished as the only cranberry concentrate utilizing Exo-shield technology, which is specifically designed to protect anthocyanins and phenols from degradation by gastric acid. It also contains higher cranberry content compared to many other supplements.

19 Probiotic Strains to Support Vaginal Flora
LactoCran+ features 19 double microencapsulated probiotic strains, providing enhanced stability and optimal delivery to the vaginal tract—making it one of the most comprehensive cranberry probiotic formulations available.

Scientific research has shown that multi-strain probiotics offer greater efficacy than single-strain alternatives. These strains are clinically studied to repopulate and maintain urinary tract health.

The synergistic effect of these 19 diverse strains promotes and supports optimal vaginal health. Increasing lactobacilli populations helps good bacteria dominate the vaginal flora, effectively replacing harmful bacteria and contributing to improved vaginal health management.

Evidence of Probiotic Benefits
The efficacy of probiotic interventions in promoting urinary tract health has been under consideration for some time, with growing evidence now supporting their benefits for specific strains. A strong association exists between the depletion of normal genital microbiota—particularly Lactobacillus species—and an increased incidence of urinary health issues, suggesting that restoration of these microorganisms may be advantageous.

LactoCran contains 19 probiotic strains, making it one of the probiotic supplements with the highest strain diversity available; notably, 11 out of these 19 strains are Lactobacillus species. These carefully selected Lactobacillus strains contribute to the unique composition of LactoCran, working synergistically to modify the vaginal flora, repopulate lactobacilli, eliminate harmful bacteria, and support improved vaginal health.

Lactobacilli can prevent the adherence, growth and colonization of uropathogenic bacteria.

Studies show that Lactobacillus species effectively inhibit E. coli, helping to maintain urinary tract health. Antibiotic treatments can disrupt this natural barrier and promote drug resistance. Zucotti et al. suggest probiotics, particularly oral Lactobacillus therapy, as a promising alternative; these bacteria can colonize the urinary tract after establishing in the gut and prevent pathogen growth through uroepithelial binding and biosurfactant secretion.

Probiotic Strains shown to benefit urogenital health.

A recent review in Canada suggested that the mechanisms whereby certain probiotic lactobacilli improve urogenital health include immune modulation, reduction in pathogen ascension from the rectum, and interference with colonisation and survival of pathogens.

A Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus were shown in vitro to inhibit the adherence of E. coli to the GI tract wall by inducing the production of mucin (a sticky substance coating the epithelial cells known to inhibit the adhesion of pathogens). A 2011 in vitro study at Reading University also showed two probiotics strains,

Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum, to have good anti-bacterial effects in inhibiting E. coli growth.

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (RCT) in 2006 showed an oral Lactobacillus rhamnosus (1 x 109 CFU / 1 billion) and a Lactobacillus reuteri (1 x 109 CFU / 1 billion) was able to recover vaginal counts of Lactobacillus species following antibiotics and infection by 96% compared to 53% in controls.

For further information on clinical studies. - Click Here