Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common types of infections that occur when bacteria passes through the urethra and infects the urinary tract. Antibiotics are typically the go-to remedy for dealing with the irritating symptoms associated with a UTI. Long-standing home remedies for UTIs have consistently grown in popularity due to the possible long-term negative consequences of taking antibiotics to treat UTIs. D-mannose, one of the most popular natural supplements that help combat recurring UTIs, is often compared to cranberries in its effects to treat UTIs. The article discusses the advantages of using D-mannose for treating and preventing UTIs and considers whether it is worth taking as a supplement. It also compares the impact of D-mannose to that of cranberries in treating UTIs.
What is D-Mannose?
D-mannose is a simple sugar related to glucose that occurs naturally in your body and is also found in various food sources. Several fruits and vegetables, such as apples, oranges, green beans, cabbages, and cranberries, are common sources of this simple sugar. D-mannose is also available in supplement form and is commonly marketed as an alternative solution for reducing the symptoms of UTIs. Below, we take a look at several clinical studies that assert D-mannose’s efficacy in decreasing symptoms and preventing recurrent urinary tract infections.
D-Mannose and UTI
D-mannose inhibits Escherichia coli, the most common group of bacteria that cause UTIs, from entering the urinary tract and causing infection. Research suggests that D-mannose prevents the infectious bacteria from sticking to the cells lining the urinary tract, thus making it easier to flush out the E. coli before they cause health issues. A small study involving 43 women with active UTIs taking D-mannose once or twice daily resulted in a decrease in symptoms. Additionally, the women who took D-mannose for six months after treatment had a reduced UTI recurrence rate compared to those who took nothing.
A study in 2013 compared the efficiency of D-mannose with the antibiotic nitrofurantoin in preventing the symptoms of UTI. 308 women with a history of recurrent UTIs were divided into two groups and provided either a D-mannose powder supplementation or an antibiotic. The study concluded with both groups having a reduced risk of recurrent UTIs. More studies are needed for further validation, but the findings imply that D-mannose works just as well as nitrofurantoin in thwarting UTI symptoms.
Another study in 2014 asserted that D-mannose is a safe and effective treatment for recurrent UTIs in adult women. This research compared D-mannose with the antibiotic trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole for efficacy in helping women with frequent UTIs. Experts divided patients into two groups: the first taking the antibiotic treatment and the second taking an oral form of D-mannose. Results indicate that D-mannose helped alleviate active UTI symptoms and prevent further infections.
D-Mannose and Cranberries
Cranberry products, such as juices and extracts, are another popular alternative solution for dealing with the symptoms of a UTI. Cranberries are a natural source of D-mannose and feature compounds known as proanthocyanidins that are considered beneficial in preventing UTI symptoms. Like D-mannose, this compound helps prevent E. coli from attaching to the cells within the urinary tract. With this in mind, one has to wonder: is supplementing D-mannose similar to consuming cranberry products?
As we discussed, D-mannose is a simple sugar found in various food sources, including cranberries. This means that if you’re consuming cranberry juice or cranberry in capsule form, you’re also consuming a certain amount of D-mannose. However, cranberries also come with other compounds like hippuric acid and anthocyanins. Cranberries provide only a trace amount of benefits compared to a pure D-mannose supplement.
So, the question is: should you opt for D-mannose or cranberries when dealing with a UTI? Given that there are tests that compare the efficacy of D-mannose with antibiotics for treating UTI symptoms, there are more significant results to back up the efficiency of a pure D-mannose supplement compared to that of cranberries. Another important fact to consider is that D-mannose has been researched to reduce symptoms of UTIs and prevent their recurrence, while cranberries seem to be solely limited to preventing infections to begin with.
How to Take D-Mannose
D-mannose supplements are available in the market in capsule and powder forms. The type of supplement that best suits you depends mainly on your personal preferences. Some individuals prefer a capsule form for quick consumption, while others choose a powder variant to avoid the uncomfortable feeling of swallowing a large capsule. D-mannose powders are easy to prepare, as they quickly dissolve when mixed in a glass of water.
The Risks of Supplementing D-Mannose
For the most part, D-mannose is relatively safe and well-tolerated by most individuals. Those who experienced side effects reported experiencing diarrhea, bloating, and loose stools. Individuals with diabetes need to have a thorough discussion with their doctor before supplementing D-mannose, as it may potentially affect blood glucose levels. Additionally, it’s best that pregnant or breastfeeding individuals avoid supplementing D-mannose due to the lack of evidence on its effect on their condition.
Precautions to Take Before Supplementing D-Mannose
Consulting your healthcare provider is fundamental in ensuring D-mannose is safe for you, especially if you have any health conditions. Although D-mannose can assist in alleviating symptoms of a UTI, it is vital to follow the treatment advice of a certified medical professional to prevent the development of a more serious infection. Since there is no standardized recommended dosage for D-mannose, your healthcare provider can prescribe the amount ideal for your specific condition and needs. Furthermore, your doctor will determine whether D-mannose supplements can compromise the efficacy of your current medications.
In Conclusion
D-mannose is a simple sugar related to glucose that’s available in various food sources and supplement forms. Supplementation of this simple sugar helps reduce the symptoms of a urinary tract infection and prevent its recurrence in the long run. According to several studies, D-mannose works as efficiently as some antibiotics in treating UTIs. As such, D-mannose has huge potential as an alternative and natural remedy. Cranberries feature an amount of D-mannose to help prevent Escherichia coli, the most common bacteria that cause UTIs, from attaching to the cells within the urinary tract. Regardless, although cranberries assist in preventing UTIs, they are less effective than pure D-mannose supplements in reducing the symptoms of infections.
