Anyone familiar with using aloe vera supplements to prevent UTI's?

I would avoid using aloe vera supplements because there are many adverse reactions possible, like cramping and diarrhea, that can occur. Plus it can react with other meds mom takes. Search aloe vera supplements on the net and you'll see what I mean.

D-Mannose is a recommendation, as Learn2Cope said.

I used to work in a natural foods store that sold supplements and I've never heard of that. What's the science behind it? THat's the first question to ask.

For my MIL in LTC we've successfully cut down her number of UTIs by about 80% by providing d-mannose supplements (find it on Amazon).

As women age, their physiology and pH changes, and this is the main reason for elder UTIs, not just hygiene.

I have heard of D-Mannose used for this, but not Aloe Vera. Hope some of the forum members have some experience on this.

I personally don't like vitamins and supplements, being a western med gal and a retired RN. But I swear by D-mannose which has helped me personally enormously.
One capsule daily they sell for about 30.00 on amazon (I get Source Natural brand) for 120.00. Worth a try for you and tastes good, so capsule can be opened and put into anything.

Mare sure that the AL is able to give supplements out of a jar. Towards the end of my mother's stay in 2 different MCs in different states, all meds and vitamins had to have a doctor's order come from a pharmacy blister pack. That became law a few years ago in both states.

I know Aloe Vera is very popular to use in a gel/cream to soothe & help skin heal. Just the smell transports me to being sunburt or having leg shaving nicks. Didn't know it for UTIs.

Quick internet search found "Aloe Vera capsules have been proven to effectively reduce up to 92% of bladder pain, urinary frequency, urgency, and urethral burning".

Websight went on to describe "D-Mannose is a type of sugar found in cranberries that prevents bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract".

So D-Mannose is a preventative. The Aloe Vera seems more for pain relief?

D-mannose can be effective, but be careful with it if your mom has diabetes or pre-diabetes because it is a simple sugar, and does elevate blood sugar when taken. Also high amounts can damage your kidneys, and can cause frequent, loose stools. You don't want to solve one issue, and cause another. It also might be a good idea to check with her doctor about adding a supplement.

Note that D-mannose can be found naturally in high amounts in fruit such as apples, oranges, peaches, blueberries, and cranberries (including dried cranberries).

Supplements are not regulated at all in the slightest, so the amounts shown on the bottle can vary from pill to pill within the same bottle. If you decide to give her supplements, I would stick with the smallest amount to avoid any adverse side affects.

Yes! Aloe Vera has antibacterial properties that can help kill the bacteria causing the infection and reduce inflammation in the urinary tract. Additionally, aloe vera can help soothe the urinary tract lining and promote healing.

Aloe vera supplements can be taken orally to support urinary tract health.

You can also drink aloe vera juice to help flush out bacteria from the urinary tract and promote urinary tract health. Start by drinking 1/4 cup of aloe vera juice daily and gradually increase the dosage if needed.

Applying aloe vera gel topically to the genital area can help alleviate UTI symptoms such as itching and burning. Make sure to use pure aloe vera gel without any added chemicals or fragrances.

MamaChar: "Aloe vera also contains acemannan, which is a polysaccharide chain of d-mannose molecules. Preliminary clinical trials in Europe show that d-mannose may also help treat or prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Research suggests d-mannose stops certain bacteria from sticking to the bladder walls."

Disclaimer: Not my authoring.

I always Have a Giant aloe Vera Plant - It is good for sun Burns , Insect Bites and Tooth aches . I use the Gel fresh from the Plant . There is a Good product you can drink Lily Of the Desert . It is good for stomach Pain . CVS sells the Plants and they are easy to grow .