We usually think of simple sugars as something that is unhealthy and an ingredient we should avoid. Yet D-mannose is a simple sugar that provides a few benefits that are noteworthy. Here’s what we know and want to share with you!
What is D-mannose?
D-mannose is a monosaccharide (aka, simple sugar) that the body makes from glucose or converts into glucose when we eat foods that contain it. You may also see D-mannose referred to D-manosa, carubinose, or seminose.
D-mannose is similar to glucose, but the body absorbs it at a slower rate in the digestive tract. For those who are concerned about diabetes, D-mannose has a lower glycemic index than glucose, which means it has less of an impact on insulin response and blood sugar levels.
Another difference between D-mannose and glucose is that the former is filtered by the kidneys, while glucose is stored in the liver and is used as fuel. D-mannose doesn’t stay in the body for very long, which allows it to have a positive impact on the gut, urinary tract, and bladder without interfering with other parts of the body.
Read about why choose supplements over antibiotics for urinary tract infections
D-Mannose and urinary tract infections
The number one reason people turn to D-mannose supplements is for managing recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms. In fact, there’s a connection between cranberries—which are often touted as a natural remedy for urinary tract infections—and D-mannose. It turns out that cranberries are a great source of this simple sugar!
D-mannose helps protect against urinary tract infections by not allowing certain bacteria to adhere to the urinary tract walls. This lining has mannose receptors, which bind with E. coli and are eliminated when you pee, thus not allowing the bacteria to cause an infection.
The findings of a 2020 systemic review and meta-analysis indicate how effective D-mannose can be in preventing urinary tract infections. Of the seven studies included in the analysis, the reviewers found that “D-mannose appears protective for recurrent urinary tract infection (vs placebo) with possibly similar effectiveness as antibiotics.”
In another study, women with acute symptoms of urinary tract infection and who had had three or more infections during the preceding 12 months were given either antibiotics or one gram oral D-mannose three times daily for two weeks, followed by one gram twice daily for 22 weeks. The mean time until UTI recurrence was 52.7 days among those who took antibiotics and 200 days among the D-mannose group.
Overall, research suggests two grams of D-mannose is more effective than antibiotics in managing recurrent UTIs.
Read about 4 natural remedies for urinary tract infections
Other health benefits of D-mannose
A limited amount of research has indicated that D-mannose may help to prevent and suppress type 1 diabetes. In mouse research, D-mannose given to non-obese mice blocked the progress of the disease. This finding suggests but does not verify, that this monosaccharide may promote immune tolerance and prevent diseases associated with autoimmunity, like type 1 diabetes.
D-mannose also helps stimulate the growth of good bacteria in the gut, which makes it a prebiotic. Scientists have found that mice given d-mannose with probiotic formulas were able to restore healthy microflora in the animals.
A rare inherited disease known as carbohydrate-deficient glycoprotein syndrome (CDGS), which involves losing protein through the intestinal tract, can be treated using D-mannose. The use of the supplement may improve liver function, low blood pressure, protein loss, and blood clotting.
How to get D-mannose
Numerous foods provide good to very good amounts of D-mannose, with cranberries topping the list. Others include apples, black currants, blueberries, broccoli, cabbage, cayenne pepper, eggplant, fenugreek, gooseberries, green beans, kidney beans, mangos, oranges, peaches, red currants, seaweed, tomatoes, and turnips.
The best way to reap the health benefits of D-mannose is with a supplement. You and your healthcare provider can determine the optimal dose for you based on why you want to take the supplement.
To prevent recurrent UTIs, for example, 2,000 mg in a capsule D-mannose with water taken daily for six months is effective.
Bottom line
D-mannose is a simple sugar that is safe and effective in preventing recurrent urinary tract infections. The supplement also has demonstrated several other possible health benefits, and its use should be discussed with a knowledgeable healthcare provider to determine the optimal dose for you and your needs.
[Editor's Note: Our go-to brand for everything related to urinary tract health is Utiva. Their D-Mannose Attack is an effective way to get your d-mannose is capsules. You can even subscribe and you'll automatically get more to keep those UTIs away. They also have a free eBook "The Ultimate UTI Guide" to help you improve your bladder health and other tips. Save 25% at checkout using the code SAVVY25.]
