Supplements for Incontinence: What Helps and What to Avoid

We all know how important daily nutrients are, but did you know certain vitamins and supplements could affect your bladder's health?

This article covers what you should know about supplements for incontinence, including what to add and what to watch out for.

We'll cover what incontinence means, the vitamins and minerals that might help with bladder control, other supplements worth knowing about, practical home remedies and lifestyle changes to help improve urine control.

Let's dive in and discover how to support you or your partner's bladder health!

Understanding Incontinence and Why Some Supplements May Help

ncontinence or bladder leakage is when you lose control of your bladder, leading to those unexpected moments when you notice drops of pee.1

While it could feel a bit embarrassing, it’s quite common and affects people of all ages, especially those who are older.¹ 

There are plenty of ways to manage it, one of them being vitamins and supplements. They may help your muscle and nerve function, but you should talk to your doctor first before starting any of them. ^2,3

Types of Incontinence

There are a few types of incontinence, each with its own symptoms¹:

• Stress Incontinence: This happens when physical activities—like sneezing, laughing, or exercising—put pressure on your bladder, causing some leakage.¹
• Urge Incontinence: With this type, you get a sudden, strong urge to go, and sometimes you just can’t make it to the bathroom in time.¹
• Overflow Incontinence: This occurs when your bladder doesn’t fully empty, leading to frequent dribbling or constant leakage.¹
• Mixed Incontinence: As the name suggests, this is a mix of two or more types, often stress and urge incontinence. ¹

Want to learn more? Explore Expert Advice on Types of Incontinence here:

• Understanding Urinary Incontinence in Adults
• What is Stress Incontinence?
• Overactive Bladder in Men: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Common Causes of Bladder Leaks

So, what causes bladder leakage? There are quite a few factors at play: ¹:

• Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles:  If your pelvic floor muscles are weak, it may affect the function of your organs, including the bladder.¹
• Menopause: Menopause is a period of significant change for any woman.1 It comes with rapid changes in hormone levels, which may weaken your pelvic floor; an issue that could also happen with aging.¹
• Lifestyle Factors: Things like caffeine, alcohol, and certain foods might irritate your bladder and make symptoms worse.¹
• Medications: Some meds like diuretics and antidepressants may have side effects that affect your bladder control.¹

Now, let’s talk about some risk factors:

• Age: The older you get, the more likely you are to experience incontinence.¹
• Gender: Women are more at risk for stress incontinence because of life events like pregnancy and childbirth.¹
• Obesity: Extra weight may put pressure on your bladder, increasing your risk of incontinence.¹

Medical conditions: such as strokes, Parkinson's disease, or prostate problems might also increase your risk.1 If you have any of these conditions or are unsure what's behind your leaks, we recommend talking to your doctor.

Key Vitamins and Minerals for Bladder Control

If you're already thinking about vitamins and minerals to help with bladder control, many people are right beside you.⁴

Research in this area is still developing, and supplements work best alongside other bladder health habits, not as a cure on their own.⁵

You should talk to your doctor before adding any new vitamins or supplements to your routine.

Magnesium for Overactive Bladder

Magnesium might help to reduce the rapid bladder muscle contractions that may cause urinary incontinence, helping with multiple bathroom visits and urinary urgency.²

If you’re thinking of using magnesium for an overactive bladder, you could get it in two ways:

• Dietary Sources: You can find magnesium in foods that are high in fiber, like vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.⁶ Adding these into your meals may help boost your intake.⁶
• Supplementation: It comes in different forms, but you may tolerate citrate and glycinate more.7 Still, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor first. They could guide you on the recommended daily allowances to ensure you’re getting the right amount and form.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for maintaining proper bone structure and helps to regulate calcium and phosphorus in the body.⁶ Something to keep in mind is that there is evidence that a deficiency in vitamin D can affect the impact of urinary incontinence on daily life.³

• Sources and Supplements: You can increase your vitamin D levels through sunlight exposure, dietary sources like fatty fish and fortified foods, or supplements.6 Just be sure to get your levels checked by a healthcare professional before taking supplements!

Vitamin D and Pelvic Floor Strength

Vitamin D could help your bones and maintain calcium and phosphorus levels in your body.⁸

Some research also suggests low levels of vitamin D may affect your pelvic floor strength, and how urge incontinence shows up daily for you.^5,9

• Sources and Supplements: You could get some vitamin D when you take a walk in the sun, from food sources like fatty fish and fortified foods, or supplements.8 We recommend getting your levels checked by a doctor before starting a supplement.⁸ Too much vitamin D could cause problems, like high calcium levels. ⁸

B Vitamins: What Helps and What to Watch

B vitamins, particularly B12, help make sure your nerves are healthy.³ And very low levels could cause incontinence.³

Sources: You can find B vitamins in animal products like meats, eggs, and dairy products.³

Supplement Advice: If you’re at risk for B vitamin deficiencies, like vegetarians or older adults, your doctor can give you advice about adding vitamins to your routine.³

While there may be some claims that high-dose vitamin B supplements (like B6 or B complex) may irritate the bladder, the research here is limited.

If you’re thinking of adding B vitamin supplements for your bladder health, we recommend talking to your doctor first.

Other Supplements for Incontinence

While there are herbs and supplements that may offer some relief for overactive bladder (OAB), research is still ongoing.²

Here's a look at a few:

• Pumpkin seed extract: Some studies suggest it could help with urgency and multiple bathroom visits during the day and at night when taken regularly.¹⁰
• Gosha-jinki-gan (GJG): GJG is a traditional Chinese herbal remedy that might help calm an overactive bladder and reduce multiple bathroom visits during the day.¹⁰
• Cleavers: This plant has anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties that might help an overactive bladder.¹⁰

You might think cranberry should be on the list, but it mainly helps with urinary tract infections rather than bladder leaks.¹¹

Remember, we recommend talking to your doctor before trying supplements for OAB to avoid potential side effects.¹⁰ Many alternative remedies lack thorough research, standardized dosing, and quality control.10

Vitamins and Supplements That May Worsen Bladder Symptoms

Some vitamins and minerals may work against you at high doses.¹² When you take high doses of vitamin C and calcium supplements, you might notice more bladder issues like urgency and multiple bathroom visits.¹²

Unlike supplements, food that contains vitamin C and calcium may even help lower urgency.12

If you're managing OAB symptoms, we recommend talking to your doctor about your current supplement routine to see what fits your needs.

Supporting a Loved One Managing Incontinence

Bladder leaks could feel embarrassing for anyone. If you're helping a parent or partner manage their bladder's health, small things could make a real difference.

Consider keeping track of supplement or medication timing, picking up refills before they run low, and choosing the right TENA incontinence products together.

Talking about supplements and routines as just another part of staying healthy, rather than a problem to fix, may help them feel included and respected.

If you need more tips on how to help your loved ones with incontinence, check out our caregivers' resources.

Daily Habits That Work Alongside Supplements

Supplements may only do so much on their own. Pairing them with a few consistent home remedies and practical daily habits could make an even bigger difference.

TENA Products for Day-to-Day Confidence

While you're working on improving bladder control with your doctor, using incontinence products could offer peace of mind and comfort.

If you’re unsure which brand to try, TENA is a trusted brand that offers a range of absorbent products designed specifically for bladder leakage.

TENA products offer:

• Comfort and Discretion: Products are designed to be discreet, with soft materials that are gentle on the skin.
• Variety of Options: From liners to underwear, TENA has a product to suit different levels of incontinence.
• Odor Control: Products come with odor protection to help you feel fresh and confident throughout the day.
• Whether you're dealing with light bladder leakage or more severe incontinence, there are options to fit your needs.

Plus, these products offer long-lasting protection so you can stay active without worry.

Bladder Training

Bladder training is a technique where you follow a set schedule to gradually increase the time between bathroom trips.⁸ Over time, this method can boost your bladder's capacity and help you gain more control.⁸ Bladder training also works well alongside Kegel exercises, and be patient—it takes time, but the results can be worth it.⁸

Pelvic Floor Exercises

Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles with Kegels can significantly improve bladder control and reduce leakage.⁸ Need Help? Check out our pelvic floor exercise guide. And if you’re unsure where to start, consider consulting a pelvic floor physical therapist for guidance.⁸

Foods and Drinks That Affect Your Bladder

Some foods and drinks, like caffeine, alcohol, spicy dishes, and citrus fruits, may irritate the bladder.¹⁰

To figure out which foods or drinks might be bothering your bladder, start by cutting them out of your diet for a bit.¹⁰

Then, after a few days, slowly bring them back one at a time every two to three days.

If you notice that a particular item makes your symptoms worse, it might be best to avoid it.¹⁰

Even bladder irritants like alcohol could reduce how well your body absorbs certain supplements.¹³

While you might need to cut out some of your favorites, there are still other interesting options you could try. We made a list of food and drinks for your bladder and kidney health you should keep handy.

When to Talk to Your Doctor About Incontinence

Caring for your bladder’s health doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By learning what affects bladder control and finding simple ways to improve it, you’re already on the right path!

Adding vitamins like magnesium, vitamin D, and B12 to your diet could support your bladder. Also, don’t forget to add small lifestyle changes, like Kegel exercises or cutting back on bladder-irritating foods; they could make a big difference.

Knowing when to loop in your doctor matters just as much as the daily habits. You should talk to your doctor if you haven’t noticed any changes after consistent use, if your symptoms seem to be getting worse, like blood in your urine, pain when you pee, or any new symptoms.¹

FAQs

What Is the Best Supplement for Urinary Incontinence?

There's no single best supplement for urinary incontinence. The right choice depends on your type of incontinence, your overall health, and any medications you already take.^2,5,10

Magnesium and vitamin D are two of the most studied options, and some research suggests they could help reduce bladder spasms and support pelvic floor muscle strength.^2,9

Talk to your doctor before starting any supplement for incontinence; everyone is different.

Does Magnesium Help with Bladder Control?

Magnesium could help by calming the bladder muscle contractions behind that sudden urge to go.² A good place to start is by eating more magnesium-rich foods, like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.⁶

If you're thinking about a supplement instead, your doctor’s advice is best, since different forms work differently, and everyone has different reactions.⁷

Can Vitamin D Help with Incontinence?

Some research suggests that low vitamin D levels could raise your risk of pelvic floor problems, which could play a part in bladder leaks.^5,9

A trip to the doctor's office to check your levels and for a recommended amount is a good place to start, since taking too much vitamin D over time may cause problems of its own.

What Vitamins or Supplements Can Make Bladder Leaks Worse?

High-dose vitamin C and calcium supplements may cause more urgency and frequent bathroom trips, but it might be fine when gotten from food sources.¹²

If you're taking large-dose multivitamins or individual supplements, you should review them with your doctor to see if any could be playing a role in your symptoms.

Can B Vitamins Irritate the Bladder?

There are some claims that high-dose B vitamin supplements, like B6 or B complex, could irritate the bladder, though the research on this is limited.

B12 itself could be helpful for nerve health, and low levels could cause incontinence.³

If you suspect your B vitamin supplements are affecting your bladder, mention it to your doctor.

Does Pumpkin Seed Extract Help with Overactive Bladder?

Pumpkin seed extracts may help if you’re living with an overactive bladder.10 Some research suggests it could help ease urgency and frequent bathroom trips.10 Some researchers believe it might even help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles in some cases.¹⁵

But the research is still limited. Your doctor can give you advice before starting pumpkin seed extract, especially if you're taking other medications.

How Long Does It Take for a Bladder Supplement to Work?

Most bladder supplements are not a quick fix. You may need to take them consistently for a few weeks before you notice any change, and everyone's experience is different.

If you have not noticed a difference after a while, talk to your doctor about other options.

Is Cranberry Good for Bladder Control?

Cranberries may help more when you’re dealing with urinary tract infections than incontinence.11 It works by making it harder for certain bacteria to stick to your bladder wall, not by calming bladder spasms or urgency.¹¹

If you're managing incontinence rather than recurring UTIs, cranberry supplements may not give you the relief you're looking for.

Are Natural Supplements Safe to Take Instead of Prescription Medication?

Think of supplements as something that works alongside your prescribed treatment, not instead of it. Some may not mix well with your medications, including blood pressure drugs and blood thinners.¹⁶

Check with your doctor before adding any supplements, especially if you're on other medications or managing a health condition.

What Daily Habits Help Supplements Work Better for Bladder Control?

Supplements tend to work best with a few everyday habits: staying well hydrated with water while easing up on caffeine and alcohol, doing your pelvic floor exercises regularly, and steering clear of known bladder irritants like spicy foods and carbonated drinks.^5,10

Bladder training, gradually stretching out the time between bathroom trips, may help too.¹⁰ Think of supplements as one piece of the puzzle, not the whole picture.

When Should I See a Doctor About Urinary Incontinence?

You should talk to your doctor if it is affecting your daily life, your symptoms seem to be getting worse, or if you have tried lifestyle changes and supplements for several months without seeing improvement.¹

You should definitely see a doctor if you notice blood in your pee, or if peeing is painful, as these could point to a UTI.¹⁴

Incontinence is common and manageable.¹ Your doctor could help identify the cause and find the right combination of approaches for you.

References

1. Cleveland Clinic. ‘Urinary Incontinence’. 2020. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17596-urinary-incontinence

2. Healthline. ‘Alternative Treatments for an Overactive Bladder’. 2022. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/overactive-bladder-alternative-treatments

3. Harvard Health. ‘Vitamin B12 deficiency can be sneaky and harmful’. 2022. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/vitamin-b12-deficiency-can-be-sneaky-harmful-201301105780

4. WebMD. ‘Vitamins by Condition’. 2018 Available from: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/condition-2048/urinary-incontinence

5. NIH. ‘The effect of vitamin D on urgent urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women’. 2023. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36826518/

6. Healthline. ‘Alternative Treatments for an Overactive Bladder’. 2022. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/overactive-bladder-alternative-treatments

7. Hill A. 10 Types of Magnesium (and What to Use Each For) [Internet]. Healthline. Healthline Media; 2026 [cited 2026 July 23]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/magnesium-types#magnesium-chloride

8. WebMD. ‘Vitamin D - Uses, Side Effects, and More’. 2024. Available from https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-929/vitamin-d

9. Aydogmus S, Aydogmus H, Gul S, Kahraman GN, Yilmaz A. Is vitamin D replacement effective in the treatment of postpartum urinary incontinence? International urogynecology journal [Internet]. 2023 May [cited 2026 July 27];34(5):1103–8. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36645442/

10. Healthline. ‘What Home Remedies Work for an Overactive Bladder?’. 2023. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/overactive-bladder/home-remedies

11. McIntyre, PharmD C. Cranberry [Internet]. Webmd.com. 2025 [cited 2026 July 24]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/cranberry#uses

12. NAFC Editorial Staff. 3 Vitamins That May Help with Bladder Control [Internet]. National Association for Continence. 2022 [cited 2026 July 24]. Available from: https://nafc.org/bhealth-blog/3-vitamins-that-may-help-with-bladder-control

13. Butts M, Sundaram VL, Murughiyan U, Borthakur A, Singh S. The Influence of Alcohol Consumption on Intestinal Nutrient Absorption: A Comprehensive Review. Nutrients [Internet]. 2023 Jan 1 [cited 2026 July 24];15(7):1571. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10096942/

14. Cleveland Clinic. Urinary tract infections [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2023 Apr [cited 2026 July 25]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9135-urinary-tract-infections

15. WebMD Editorial Contributor. Are There Alternative Treatments for Overactive Bladder? [Internet]. WebMD. 2026 [cited 2026 July 25]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/ss/slideshow-oab-natural-remedies

16. Mayo Clinic. Herbal supplements and heart meds may not mix [Internet]. Mayo Clinic. 2026 Apr [cited 2026 July 25]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/herbal-supplements/art-20046488