What is D-mannose?
D-mannose also called mannose, is a simple sugar, found naturally in high amounts in many fruits and vegetables such as:
- apples
- oranges
- peaches
- blueberries
- cranberries
- green beans
- cabbage
- broccoli
An effective alternative to antibiotics, although related to the sugar glucose, doesn't behave like a sugar in your body. After being absorbed by the gut, it is not stored in the liver like glucose but is filtered out of the body directly by the kidneys.
In order to get beneficial levels of D-mannose from fruit and vegetables, you would have to consume huge amounts so, the use of it as a dietary supplement is the best way to get the level you would need to help with any UTI.
What is D-mannose used for?
Showing some remarkable benefits for urinary health and urinary tract infections (UTI's) particualry in women, mannose is thought to block certain bacteria from growing in the urinary tract.
The scientific bit
E. coli bacteria cause 90 percent of UTIs. Once these bacteria enter the urinary tract, they latch on to cells, grow, and cause infection. Research thinking is that that D-mannose might work to treat or prevent a UTI by stopping these bacteria from latching on.
After you consume foods or supplements containing D-mannose, your body eventually eliminates it through the kidneys and into the urinary tract.
While in the urinary tract, it can attach to the E. coli bacteria that may be there. As a result, the bacteria can no longer attach to cells and cause infection.
Dosage for D-mannose
Take one level teaspoon up to six times a day, at three hour intervals. Dilute into water for fruit juice.
Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Side Effects
With no recorded results of side effects, D-mannose is appears to be safe for most adults when taken for up to 6 months however, there isn't enough reliable information to know if d-mannose has any side effects when taken for more than 6 months.
Summary
As with all health supplements, you need to speak to your doctor first and ensure you will have no issues when looking to take them.
