AkPharma supplement found effective
significantly improve quality of life for patients suffering from
symptoms caused by an overactive bladder, according to new study
data from manufacturer AkPharma.
The dietary supplement Prelief significantly improves quality of life for patients suffering from an overactive bladder, according to new study data from manufacturer AkPharma.
The study shows that patients' ability to socialize and interact with friends, quality and/or quantity of sleep, ability to go places and wear clothes they want, performance of routine exercise, and the ability to attend entertainment activities all significantly improved after three weeks use of the supplement. The supplement also improved quality of life based on the total score of all these parameters compared to the placebo.
Prelief is made of calcium glycerophosphate, a food-grade mineral classified as a dietary supplement. AkPharma, which also developed Beano and Lactaid, said the supplement is designed to combat food acid intolerance and allows people who enjoy tomato sauce, coffee, orange juice, wine and other acidic foods to eat them without discomfort.
Alan Kligerman, founder and CEO of AkPharma, said: "Unlike acid blockers and antacids, Prelief is not a drug. It is a dietary supplement that works instantly to prevent food acid intolerance - the common problem many people experience when they consume acidic foods."
He added that Prelief works on a simple premise: "If it's the acid in the food causing discomfort, it isn't the body that needs treating: treat the food; that's what Prelief does."
Anecdotal evidence had indicated for some years that Prelief could decrease many of the symptoms associated with overactive bladder. The study performed by Dr Michael J. Kennelly of Carolinas Medical Center in North Carolina formally evaluated the efficacy and safety of Prelief in overactive bladder patients.
A total of 58 adult patients were randomized to three weeks of double-blind therapy with Prelief or placebo administered three times daily with meals. Outcomes measured individual patient voiding diaries, incontinence quality of life parameters ("IIQ" = Individual Incontinence impact Questionnaire), patient satisfaction scale, and safety.
The study showed that on voiding diary data, Prelief significantly reduced the mean number of pads used per 24 hours compared with placebo, even though the other mean parameters of daily frequency, nocturia, and incontinent episodes showed no significant differences. Subjects also said that Prelief had significantly improved their quality of life compared to those in the placebo group.
Researchers said that further studies were needed to explain the effects and confirm the benefits of the supplement.
