What is Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan?
This review is for a natural product formulated to treat urinary tract infections called Pro-Cyan. The urinary tract comprises the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra, and any one of these areas can be infected. Usually, the lower tract – the bladder and the urethra – are inflamed by a bacterial infection that causes burning, irritation, frequent urination, a strong urge to seek urinary relief which may even be coupled with slight urinary incontinence or cloudy urine. If there is blood in the urine it means the infection has moved higher, towards the kidneys, which is dangerous and should be treated by a doctor immediately. UTIs may also cause pelvic pressure and pain.
The most common cause of UTIs is the e.coli bacteria which travels from the digestive tract, although other viruses and fungi could also be clinging to the bladder and urethral walls. Usually, the tract flushes this out when you consume liquids such as water but some of these bacteria evade the natural filtration system. E.coli is a particular culprit due to the nature of the female anatomy. The rectum is close to the urethral opening making it easy for it to gain re-entry into the body.
Bio-Kult says Pro-Cyan’s triple action of cranberry, probiotics and vitamin A is scientifically formulated to restore the normal function of the immune system and maintenance of the mucous membranes lining the urinary tract.
Ingredients
- Cranberry Extract (Vaccinium macrocarpon)
- Cellulose (bulking agent)
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Vitamin A (retinyl acetate)
- Vegetable Capsule (Hydroxypropylmethyl Cellulose)
As promised, Bio-Kult delivers a capsule containing cranberry (equal to 18 mg), live bacteria probiotics (500 million per capsule) and vitamin A. Studies have shown that although cranberry cannot cure UTIs, the proanthocyanidins in cranberries decrease the number of UTI reinfections over time and ease cystitis symptoms. They prevent bacteria such as e.coli from clinging to the lower tract walls. The amount of cranberry in this formula is quite low though, with other cranberry-only formulas containing upwards of 300mg.
However, what the maker has attempted to do here is create a total care solution, so the second leg is the probiotics. Restoring good gut health is always critical as it stops bad bacteria from overrunning the gut and urinary tract, thus decreasing the likelihood of infection. The vitamin A serves to boost immunity, so the body can adequately fend off viral, bacterial and fungal infections.
Dosage
Take one to two capsules daily with food, or as prescribed by a doctor. Children under 12 should take ½ a capsule. No explicit warnings other than the fact you may experience temporary bloating are issued but we know that in higher concentrations, cranberry can interfere with warfarin medication. Speak to your doctor if concerned.
What Is The Cost?
A pack of 45 capsules costs $20.51 in the Bio-Kult online store. There do not appear to be bulk package discount incentives. This would last you for 6 weeks or 3 weeks, depending on usage.
Manufacturer’s Guarantee
We finecombed the manufacturer’s external communications extensively, but failed to find any information relating to a guarantee or returns policy.
Our Final Review Of Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan
Thanks to the live cultures, you should also see added side effects such as an easing up of yeast infection symptoms or irritable bowel syndrome. The manufacturer has taken care to ensure that the capsules are safe for vegetarians, although some allergens such as dairy and soy may be present. The synthesis of probiotics, cranberry and immune-boosting vitamin A do go a long way as a multi-prong approach to ease cystitis and prevent future infections.
However, research from the past three years has shown that by far the most effective natural ingredient for treating UTIs is d-mannose. That is not to say that cranberry does not have a role to play – it does. In this synthesis though, we have doubts as to whether the cranberry extract is in a high enough percentage to make a deep difference. Pro-Cyan is however likely to be of benefit in breaking the cycle of recurring UTI infections long term, but, based on the formula, likely to fall just short of curing anything than the mildest infection completely. If you have a more serious infection or want to be more assured of avoiding UTI reinfection, you’ll increase your chances by switching to a supplement containing both d-mannose and cranberry.