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D-mannose is a simple sugar that is structurally similar to glucose. Food sources of D-mannose include cranberries, blueberries, peaches, apples, oranges, and other fruits, but the sugar is also produced by the body and is available as a supplement.
D-mannose has some properties that make it especially important for various conditions, including urinary tract infection. That’s because D-mannose, once ingested, binds to the bacteria that causes urinary tract infections, prevents them from attaching to the urinary tract lining, and then helps eliminate them from the body in the urine.
Because D-mannose is not metabolized, it does not affect blood sugar levels and so is safe for people who have diabetes.
D-mannose and Urinary Tract Infections
Thus far, no human studies of the impact of D-mannose on urinary tract infections in humans have been conducted. However, lab research indicates that D-mannose binds to Escherichia coli, the bacteria most often responsible for urinary tract infections, and prevents them from attaching to the urinary tract lining. (Bouckaert 2005; Ofek 1982) D-mannose has also been shown to reduce levels of bacteria in rats. (Michaels 1983)
D-mannose is present in cranberries, although not at the same concentration that can be found in a D-mannose supplement. However, men can use both D-mannose and cranberry together to provide a synergistic effect in the fight against urinary tract infections.
How To Use D-Mannose
The typical dose of D-mannose supplement is 500 mg twice daily. Use of D-mannose appears to be safe for most adults, although it may cause bloating and loose stools. In high doses, D-mannose might damage the kidneys.
References
Bouckaert J et. al. Receptor binding studies disclose a novel class of high-affinity inhibitors of the Escherichia coli FimH adhesin. Mol Microbiol 2005 Jan; 55(2):441-55.
Michaels EK et al. Effect of D-mannose and D-glucose on Escherichia coli bacteriuria in rats. Urol Res 1983; 11:97–102.
Ofek I et al. The importance of mannose specific adhesins (lectins) in infections caused by Escherichia coli. ScandJ Infect Dis Suppl 1982; 33:61-67.
