The Benefits of D-Mannose

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What is D-mannose? Does D-Mannose help with UTIs? How much D-mannose should I take and are there any side effects?

We know… Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are not the most exciting subject to discuss, but given how tricky they can be, our health specialists have laid out a complete beginner’s guide to D-mannose that covers D-mannose benefits, D-mannose dosage, D-mannose side effects and possible dangers and more.

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WHAT IS D-MANNOSE?

d-mannose berries

Photo Credit: National Center for Biotechnology Information (2020). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 18950, D-Mannose. 

D-mannose is a simple sugar that is related to glucose. 

What is a simple sugar you ask? Simple sugars, also referred to as monosaccharides, only contain one sugar molecule. With that being said, simple sugars are quite easy to digest given their simple chemical structure. 

Now that we’ve covered what D-mannose is… where does D-mannose come from?

Where Does D-Mannose Come From?

This type of sugar can be found in cranberries, apples, peaches, broccoli, and green beans. But that’s not all! D-mannose also occurs naturally in some cells of the human body and has been considered a prebiotic given its positive effects on good bacteria growth in the human digestive tract! 

Now, D-mannose has gained quite a lot of attention when it comes to UTIs given the D-mannose-cranberry relationship. That’s right! The combination of D-mannose and cranberry can help relieve some of the UTI symptoms and help get rid of the UTI-causing bacteria.

Let’s see how!

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF D-MANNOSE?

1. Helps with UTIs

Some studies have shown that D-mannose may help prevent bacteria from growing inside the urinary tract and may help decrease UTI symptoms. 

Did you know that the cause for 90% of UTIs is a bacteria called E. Coli?

That’s right! When E.Coli enters the urinary tract, it holds onto your cells, grows, and turns into an infection.

A study published in 2016 in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences suggested that D-mannose may help reduce the symptoms of UTIs.

2. May Lower the Need for Antibiotics

Harmful E-Coli bacteria can latch onto the walls of your urinary system, which results in UTIs. 

Photo Credit: https://www.utivahealth.ca/pages/causes-of-a-uti

When D-Mannose is introduced into your body, it helps attack the bad bacteria. Since the body gets rid of D-Mannose quickly, the bad bacteria are excreted with it. With that being said, some studies have shown that taking D-mannose for UTI symptoms, may lower the need for antibiotics.

3. Immune Boosting

D-Mannose can be found in cranberries, a powerful antioxidant that provides great immune-boosting levels of vitamin C as well as fibers. 

A study published in 2016 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition determined that women who drank 8 ounces of cranberry juice every day for 24 weeks had less UTI instances. 

PS: It is important to note that the benefits of cranberry juice have only been shown in multiple studies to apply to unsweetened cranberry juice.

HOW LONG DOES D-MANNOSE TAKE TO WORK?

Given it is different from an antibiotic, how long does D-mannose take to work?

When ingested, D-Mannose goes straight to the kidneys, then passes on to the bladder and finally gets excreted from the body with urine. The time it may take for D-Mannose effects to kick in varies from person to person.

Are you someone that sweats a lot? Do you stay hydrated? Did you eat today? All these little factors can affect how long it takes for D-Mannose to work in your body. 

However, most say the effects should kick in within 24-hours.

HOW TO TAKE D-MANNOSE

D-Mannose Powder 

D-mannose can be taken in a powder form. It should dissolve quickly and often leaves a sweet taste when added to water.

D-mannose powder is highly interesting given it’s pure. When looking at the ingredients list, you’ll read “other ingredients: none”. 

D-Mannose Capsules

D-mannose can also be taken in capsules. The main difference between powder and capsule D-mannose is that other ingredients must be added for the actual capsule and often you’ll find flow agents to help prevent stickiness. 

The way you choose to take D-mannose is highly dependent on preference. D-mannose capsules are great for on-the-go and are very convenient!  


D-MANNOSE DOSAGE

There are no clear dosage recommendations for D-mannose. However, some doses have been researched for specific conditions as follows:

For preventing future UTIs: 2 grams a day or 1 gram twice a day.

For an active UTI: 1.5 grams, two times a day for 3 days. After that, once a day for 10 days or 1 gram three times a day for 14 days. 

It is always recommended to consult a health professional when taking new supplements.

D-MANNOSE SIDE EFFECTS AND POSSIBLE DANGERS 

D-Mannose can cause diarrhea, loose stools, and bloating. When D-Mannose is taken in higher doses it could result in damage to the kidneys

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

Not enough studies have been done yet to give a clear recommendation for taking D-mannose during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. Please consult with your doctor before taking D-Mannose if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Diabetes

People with existing diabetes may have to be cautious with higher doses of D-Mannose as it can affect blood sugar. Once again, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before trying new supplements. 

WHERE TO BUY BEST D-MANNOSE SUPPLEMENT?

Before purchasing D-Mannose supplements, it is important to know what to look for so your body receives only the best quality D-mannose. 

Here are some things to look for before buying D-Mannose supplements. 

Ingredients 

When comparing different D-mannose supplements, try to find a supplement that not only has D-Mannose, but also other ingredients that help with UTI’s such as hibiscus. This will boost the D-mannose effects and help you get maximal results with just one formula!

Non-GMO

As for any other supplement, we always encourage you to find Non-GMO (Non-Genetically Modified Organisms) D-Mannose supplements. 

Typically, suppliers will indicate if their supplements are Non-GMO on their website, product listing and straight on the bottle!

Third-Party Testing

This is a very important factor to consider when looking for D-Mannose supplements. Results from third-party testing should be made available on the supplier’s website.

High Quality and Transparency

Here at Nuzena, we strive to provide education and natural support for your general health and wellness!

With that being said, our health specialists have designed the D-Mannose Natural Defense +, a formula made of D-mannose, cranberry juice extract, hibiscus flower extract, and dandelion root extract. Our formula has all the ingredients necessary to help provide natural support for UTIs, healthy bladder, and healthy liver functions. 

Take our free 3-minute quiz to find out if D-Mannose is right for you!

Read more about D-Mannose Natural Defense +


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The Nuzena Team