What’s D-mannose supplement ?

D-mannose is a simple sugar that occurs naturally in the human body and is found in many fruits. It’s also available as a dietary supplement, which people often take to help prevent or treat urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Research shows that supplemental D-mannose can help treat a rare condition called carbohydrate-deficient glycoprotein syndrome (CDGS) type 1b. Preliminary studies also show it may act as a prebiotic to promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria.

Helps Treat CDGS Type 1b
May Help Prevent Urinary Tract Infections
May Promote Gut Health

Health Benefits of D-mannose

1.Helps Treat CDGS Type 1b

D-mannose can help treat a rare genetic disorder called carbohydrate-deficient glycoprotein syndrome type 1b because people with this condition don’t produce enough, or any, mannose naturally.

CDGS often disrupts the blood clotting process, which can lead to bleeding, blood clots, or stroke-like episodes. It also leads to gastrointestinal issues, particularly protein-losing enteropathy—a syndrome where excessive proteins are lost in the gastrointestinal tract—which can cause low protein levels in the blood.

2.May Help Prevent Urinary Tract Infections

Over 50% of adult women will get a UTI in their lifetime, making UTIs the most common type of outpatient infection.

The infection is typically treated with antibiotics, but researchers are interested in D-mannose as an alternative treatment that won’t promote the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

3.May Promote Gut Health

D-mannose may also act as a prebiotic—a dietary fiber that feeds the good bacteria in your gut.⁸ Bacteria in the large intestine ferment (break down) prebiotics, helping good bacteria thrive, producing beneficial short-chain fatty acids, improving the integrity of your gut lining, and boosting immune health.

Unlike glucose and fructose, D-mannose is a sugar that may reduce rather than increase inflammation in the gut.

In rodent-based studies, D-mannose increased the Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes ratio in the gut, which is notable because low levels of Bacteroidetes are linked with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

How To Take D-mannose supplement

D-mannose supplement are available in capsule and powder form. You may also see D-mannose combined with cranberry and marketed for urinary tract health.

Research shows D-mannose is safe to take to prevent UTIs for up to six months, but the best way to do so isn’t yet standardized.

Some studies have found benefits from taking 1.5 grams of D-mannose every day for one week each month. Other research has shown benefits from taking 3 grams split throughout the day for two weeks, followed by 2 grams daily for six months.

Dosage of D-mannose supplement

D-mannose supplement typically come in servings of 500–2,000 milligrams. Research shows that taking 3 grams daily for up to three weeks or 2 grams daily for up to six months is generally safe. There is no standardized dosage of D-mannose.

A Quick Review

D-mannose is a simple sugar found in fruits and available as a dietary supplement. It may help prevent or treat UTIs by blocking bacteria from sticking to your urinary tract.

D-mannose supplement can also help manage symptoms of a rare genetic disorder called carbohydrate-deficient glycoprotein syndrome type 1b. It may also act as a prebiotic to promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria.

In general, D-mannose is safe for healthy adults to consume as a supplement, but it may have side effects like diarrhea, bloating, or nausea. Before starting a D-mannose supplement, speak with a healthcare provider to ensure safety and appropriate dosing.