D-Mannose & Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common bacterial infection in women, with up to 50-60% of women experiencing at least one UTI in their lifetime. While antibiotics are the most common treatment for UTIs, recurrent infections and overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance and potential health complications. So, is there an alternative treatment and prevention strategy for UTIs? The answer may lie in a surprising molecule called D-Mannose.

 

D-Mannose is a naturally occurring sugar found in some fruits, including cranberries and blueberries. While cranberry juice is often touted as a UTI remedy, the real effect of cranberry juice comes from its D-Mannose content. D-Mannose has been found to be effective in alleviating symptoms and infections associated with UTIs, particularly those caused by the most common culprit, E. coli.

E. coli is a naturally occurring bacteria of the intestinal microbiota, but when it exists outside of the intestinal microbiome, it can cause trouble for our genitourinary tract. E. coli overgrowth is responsible for 95% of UTIs.

The ways in which E. coli can travel out of the intestinal microbiome include:

  • Sexual intercourse

  • Poor hygiene

  • Impaired immune function

  • Spermicide use

  • Antibiotic use

  • Changes to the bladder or vaginal microbiome.

D-Mannose supplementation is an effective treatment and prevention strategy for UTIs caused by E. coli. D-Mannose has the ability to exert antibiotic-like effects and inhibit the ability of E. coli to bind to the epithelial lining. It attaches to the E. coli bacteria, which is then rapidly absorbed and excreted by the urinary tract. D-Mannose is effective at high doses and has no side effects or adverse effects.

The recommended therapeutic dose of D-Mannose is 2-3 grams per day for 3 days during the initial phase of an acute infection, followed by a reduced dose of 1.5 grams for 2-3 weeks to ensure there is no recurrence of infection. D-Mannose supplements are available at most health food stores in a powder or capsule form and are relatively inexpensive.

While D-Mannose supplementation can be an effective treatment and prevention strategy for UTIs caused by E. coli, it is important to also practice good hygiene and other preventative measures, as discussed in my UTI blog.

If you suffer from UTIs, consider trying D-Mannose supplementation and let us know if it has been effective for you. As always, consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements or treatments.

I recommend this supplementation in conjunction with the advice mentioned here

Do you suffer from urinary tract infections?

Have you tried D-Mannose supplementation?

Let me know if this has been effective for you!

UNTIL NEXT TIME, BE WELL

YOURS IN GREAT HEALTH,

 

References

  1. Scribano, D., Sarshar, M., Prezioso, C., & et al. 2020. d-mannose treatment neither affects uropathogenic escherichia coli properties nor induces stable FimH modifications. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 25(2), 316. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25020316

  2. Porru, D., Parmigiani, A., Tinelli, C., Barletta, D., Choussos, D., Di Franco, C., Bobbi, V., Bassi, S., Miller, O., Gardella, B., Nappi, R., Spinillo, A., & Rovereto, B. (2014). Oral D-mannose in recurrent urinary tract infections in women: a pilot study. Journal of Clinical Urology, 7(3), 208–213. https://doi.org/10.1177/2051415813518332

Women’s HealthAndrea HuddlestonWomen’s Health, UTI’s, D-MannoseComment