Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

D-mannose is a type of simple sugar that is found naturally in a variety of fruits and vegetables, including cranberries. Its use for the prevention and management of urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially bladder infections (cystitis), is primarily supported by emerging scientific evidence rather than longstanding traditional use. The rationale behind D-mannose supplementation is that it can inhibit the adhesion of Escherichia coli (E. coli)—the bacteria responsible for most uncomplicated UTIs—to the urothelial cells lining the bladder. By preventing bacterial attachment, D-mannose may facilitate the elimination of the bacteria through urination.

Clinical studies and randomized controlled trials have explored this mechanism. For example, a 2014 study published in the World Journal of Urology found that women with a history of recurrent UTIs experienced significantly fewer infections during a six-month period of D-mannose supplementation compared to placebo, and the results were comparable to those seen with antibiotic prophylaxis. A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis in the journal Antibiotics concluded that D-mannose appears to be effective in reducing the risk of recurrent UTIs, with an overall safety profile similar to placebo.

While further large-scale, high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish its efficacy and optimal dosing, current evidence suggests that D-mannose is a promising, non-antibiotic option for the prevention and possibly adjunct treatment of bladder infections, particularly in women prone to recurrent episodes.

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