Can D-Mannose Treat or Prevent UTIs? (2024)

D-mannose is often taken as a supplement to help treat and prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). It’s believed to work by blocking the activity of a specific type of bacteria that causes UTIs.

What is D-mannose?

D-mannose is a type of sugar that’s related to the better-known glucose. These sugars are both simple sugars. That is, they consist of just one molecule of sugar. As well, both occur naturally in your body and are also found in some plants in the form of starch.

Several fruits and vegetables contain D-mannose, including:

  • cranberries (and cranberry juice)
  • apples
  • oranges
  • peaches
  • broccoli
  • green beans

This sugar is also found in certain nutritional supplements, available as capsules or powders. Some contain D-mannose by itself, while others include additional ingredients, such as:

  • cranberry
  • dandelion extract
  • hibiscus
  • rose hips
  • probiotics

Many people take D-mannose for treating and preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs). D-mannose is thought to block certain bacteria from growing in the urinary tract. But does it work?

E. coli bacteria cause 90 percent of UTIs. Once these bacteria enter the urinary tract, they latch on to cells, grow, and cause infection. Researchers think 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.

There isn’t much research on the effects of D-mannose when taken by people who have UTIs, but a few early studies show that it might help.

A 2013 study evaluated D-mannose in 308 women who had frequent UTIs. D-mannose worked about as well as the antibiotic nitrofurantoin for preventing UTIs over a 6-month period.

In a 2014 study, D-mannose was compared to the antibiotic trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole for treatment and prevention of frequent UTIs in 60 women.

D-mannose reduced UTI symptoms in women with an active infection. It was also more effective than the antibiotic for preventing additional infections.

A 2016 study tested the effects of D-mannose in 43 women with an active UTI. At the end of the study, most women had improved symptoms.

A lot of different D-mannose products are available. When deciding on which one to use, you should consider three things:

  • whether you’re trying to prevent an infection or treat an active infection
  • the dose you’ll need to take
  • the type of product you want to take

D-mannose is typically used for preventing a UTI in people who have frequent UTIs or for treating an active UTI. It’s important to know which of these you are using it for because the dosage will differ.

The best dose to use isn’t entirely clear, however. For now, only the doses that have been used in research are suggested:

  • For preventing frequent UTIs: 2 grams once daily, or 1 gram twice daily
  • For treating an active UTI: 1.5 grams twice daily for 3 days, and then once daily for 10 days; or 1 gram three times daily for 14 days

D-mannose comes in capsules and powders. The form you choose mainly depends on your preference. You might prefer a powder if you don’t like to take bulky capsules or want to avoid the fillers included in some manufacturers’ capsules.

Keep in mind that many products provide 500-milligram capsules. This means that you may need to take two to four capsules to get the desired dose.

To use D-mannose powder, dissolve it in a glass of water and then drink the mixture. The powder dissolves easily, and the water will have a sweet taste.

UTI Supplement Options

Read our full review of Uqora, a company that focuses on developing natural supplements for UTI prevention.

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Most people who take D-mannose don’t experience side effects, but some might have loose stools or diarrhea.

If you have diabetes, talk with your doctor before taking D-mannose. It makes sense to be cautious since D-mannose is a form of sugar. Your doctor might want to monitor your blood sugar levels more closely if you take D-mannose.

If you have an active UTI, don’t delay in talking with your doctor. Although D-mannose might help treat infections for some people, the evidence isn’t very strong at this point.

Delaying treatment with an antibiotic that has been proven to be effective for treating an active UTI can result in the infection spreading into the kidneys and blood.

More research needs to be done, but D-mannose appears to be a promising nutritional supplement that may be an option for treating and preventing UTIs, especially in people who have frequent UTIs.

Most people who take it don’t experience any side effects, but higher doses may cause health issues yet to be discovered.

Talk with your doctor about appropriate treatment options if you have an active UTI. Although D-mannose might help treat a UTI for some people, it’s important to follow medically proven methods of treatment to prevent the development of a more serious infection.

Can D-Mannose Treat or Prevent UTIs? (2024)

FAQs

Can D-Mannose Treat or Prevent UTIs? ›

Evidence of Efficacy

What are the disadvantages of D-mannose? ›

D-mannose supplements should be used with caution if you have diabetes. It may make it harder to control your blood sugar. High doses of D-mannose may cause kidney damage. Always tell your doctor about any supplements you are taking, including natural ones and those bought without a prescription.

Can you use D-mannose instead of antibiotics? ›

D-Mannose is recommended as a natural alternative to antibiotics and sold as a dietary supplement; research showing the efficacy of D-mannose in treating UTIs is mixed.

What should I take daily to prevent UTIs? ›

Vitamin C

Vitamin C prevents bacteria from growing by making urine more acidic. You can take a 500- to 1,000-milligram daily vitamin C supplement. You can add vitamin C-rich foods to your diet, like oranges, lemons, grapefruit, strawberries, and leafy green vegetables.

How to prevent a UTI when you feel it coming on? ›

Find out more about UTI symptoms and treatment.
  1. Stay Hydrated. ...
  2. Urinate Regularly. ...
  3. Practice Proper Wiping Technique. ...
  4. Empty Your Bladder Before and After Sexual Activity. ...
  5. Maintain Good Sexual Hygiene. ...
  6. Choose Breathable Underwear. ...
  7. Maintain a Healthy Diet. ...
  8. Consider Taking a Probiotic.

Can you take D-Mannose daily to prevent UTI? ›

In this randomized clinical trial, daily d-mannose did not reduce the proportion of women with rUTI in primary care who experienced a subsequent clinically suspected UTI. Daily d-mannose should not be recommended to prevent future episodes of clinically suspected UTI in women with rUTI in primary care.

Does D-mannose flush out bacteria? ›

D‐mannose is a sugar which is part of a normal diet and is believed to create a non‐stick surface on the bladder wall, as well as around the bacteria. It is thought that the bacteria is then expelled when urinating, thus preventing the growth of bacteria which leads to an infection inside the bladder or urinary tract.

Can anything cure a UTI besides antibiotics? ›

Besides taking antibiotics, Dr. Newton says there are several other strategies to help treat or prevent a UTI, including: Cranberry products. Studies haven't defined which cranberry product creates the most benefit, however they're thought to prevent bacteria from sticking to the lining of the bladder.

Does D-mannose affect gut bacteria? ›

D-mannose supplementation can increase beneficial bacteria and reduce harmful bacteria.

Is D mannose anti inflammatory? ›

Importantly, d-mannose also has antiinflammatory properties (14–18).

How do you stop a recurring UTI permanently? ›

A low-dose antibiotic taken for at least six months and up to two years. Intermittent or self-directed antibiotic therapy — for instance, taking an antibiotic after sex or starting a course of antibiotics at the first sign of a UTI.

How can I clean myself to prevent UTIs? ›

Clean your genital and anal areas before and after sexual activity. Urinate before and after sexual activity. Drinking 2 glasses of water after sexual activity may help promote urination. Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom.

How quickly does D-mannose work? ›

D-mannose is rapidly absorbed and reaches organs within 30 minutes, after which it may be excreted via the urinary tract. The human body can't metabolize or store D-mannose, though it is possible much of it is metabolized by bacteria in the gut. Any effect on blood sugar levels should be minimal.

What is the number one cause of UTI? ›

Bacteria are the most common cause of UTIs, although fungi rarely can also infect the urinary tract. E. coli bacteria, which live in the bowel, cause most UTIs.

What is the best probiotic for a UTI? ›

Urinary tract infections

The probiotic strains; Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1®, Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14®12 and Lactobacillus crispatus13 have been reported to support a healthy urinary microbiome in those who experience recurrent UTIs. Could probiotics help cystitis?

Can you stop a UTI in the early stages? ›

OTC Medicine: Some over the counter UTI medications contain antibiotics that can nip a UTI in the bud before it starts. Keep in mind, though, that if the infection progresses fully, you may need to get a doctor-prescribed course of antibiotics.

Do you gain weight with D Mannose? ›

Mannose is a fruit-based sugar and is present in berries. It is very effective in reducing belly fat. This is because there is a link between gut bacteria and this sugar, and gut bacteria decides whether we put on belly fat or not.

Does D-mannose interact with any medications? ›

Go to the Kidney & Bladder Support Group. D-Mannose does not have any drug interactions.

Does D mannose affect gut bacteria? ›

D-mannose supplementation can increase beneficial bacteria and reduce harmful bacteria.

What is the best D-mannose to take? ›

Top 3 Best D-Mannose Supplements
  • VitaUp D-mannose 1000mg Capsules with Cranberry and Vitamin C.
  • EU Naturals Urinary Harmony D-Mannose Supplement.
  • NOW Supplements, D-Mannose 500 mg.

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