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D-mannose is a type of sugar that is found naturally in some fruits, such as cranberries and blueberries. It is also available as a dietary supplement, typically in the form of a powder or capsule.
D-mannose is commonly used to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) by helping to flush bacteria from the urinary tract. When bacteria enter the urinary tract, they can attach to the walls of the bladder and cause an infection. D-mannose can help prevent this by interfering with the ability of bacteria to attach to the bladder walls, allowing them to be more easily flushed out of the body.
Is this a scientifically-backed approach?
Recent trials by the World Journal Of Urology found: “D-mannose powder significantly reduced the risk of recurrent UTIs” (Kranjec, Papes & Altarac, 2013). Another study by the Clinical Journal of Urology revealed: “D-mannose appears to be a safe and effective treatment for recurrent UTIs in adult women” (Hickling & Nitti, 2013).
How does it compare to taking antibiotics?
Peer-reviewed literature states that “significant difference was observed in the proportion of women remaining infection-free after taking D-mannose, versus antibiotic treatment.” (Porru, Daniele & Parmigiani, A. & Barletta, Davide & Choussos, D. & Bassi, Silvia & Miller, O. & Gardella, Barbara & Nappi, Rossella & Spinillo, A. & Rovereto, B., 2013). The key difference and benefit of D-mannose, versus antibiotics, is that it targets the E. coli bacteria in isolation rather than killing off all the good bacteria in the body too - in the way that antibiotics do.
How does it work?
D-Mannose is covered in microscopic fimbriae and these particular fimbria enable it to adhere to E. coli bacteria (the leading cause of UTIS). So, when you excrete D-mannose from the body, you also excrete UTI-causing bacteria.
Although technically from the ‘sugar’ family, D mannose does not stimulate an insulin release and does not interfere with blood sugar levels.
Still not sure how it works to prevent UTIs? Watch the explainer video below or check out our blog which covers all kinds of topics, from causes and symptoms of UTIs to antibiotic resistance.
What Is D-Mannose & How Does It Help With UTIs?
D-Mannose & UTIs