Urinary Tract Infections Among Older Adults: Nutrition

Urinary Tract Infections: Nutrition

October 1, 2024

Joy Stepinski, MSN, RN-BC

In other articles, we discussed nonpharmacological strategies that help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) among older adults, such as hydration and cranberry. Now we will look further at UTIs and the effect of diet.

UTIs are among the most common infections in the older adult population, especially in nursing homes. Often bacteria can be present in the urine without causing any symptoms, called asymptomatic bacteriuria. Patients may be given unnecessary antibiotics to treat this condition. This practice can cause significant harm, including Clostridium difficile and the establishment of resistant pathogens.  A point prevalence study among 10,939 across 133 Veteran Affairs skilled nursing facilities residents discovered that asymptomatic bacteriuria is fairly common, representing 10% of total infections in that population [1].

Malnutrition plays a role in chronic disease states and contributes to UTI prevalence. A study investigated factors associated with the nutrition of 188 residents [2] residing in residential nursing facilities. The findings showed that those with UTIs within the preceding year required more assistance with daily activities, including feeding.

Among the bacterial strains causing a UTI is Escherichia coli, which accounts for up to 75% of infections [3]. Researchers examined the diet results of 9,724 vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Results concluded that vegetarians were at 16% less risk of acquiring a UTI. The higher fiber content of the vegetarian diet regulates the gut microbiome. Additionally, vegetarians do not consume pork or poultry, which contains high amounts of E. coli. The phytochemicals in plant foods, including cranberry, have an antimicrobial effect. The authors determined that a diet high in plant food can be protective against UTIs.

Nutrition is an important consideration in averting UTIs, including asymptomatic infections. Plant food is filled with fiber and phytochemicals that offer protection.

References:

1.    Trautner, B. W. (2012). Asymptomatic bacteriuria: when the treatment is worse than the disease. Nature Reviews Urology, 9(2), 85-93.

2.    Carlsson, M., Haglin, L., Rosendahl, E., & Gustafson, Y. (2013). Poor nutritional status is associated with urinary tract infection among older people living in residential care facilities. The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, 17, 186-191.

3.    Chen, Y. C., Chang, C. C., Chiu, T. H., Lin, M. N., & Lin, C. L. (2020). The risk of urinary tract infection in vegetarians and non-vegetarians: a prospective study. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 1-9.