D-Mannose

Also indexed as: Mannose

D-mannose is a simple sugar structurally related to glucose. It is absorbed slowly from the gastro-intestinal tract, and then a large proportion of it is excreted into the urine.¹

Where is it found?

D-Mannose is in many fruits, including Peaches, apples, oranges, cranberries, and blueberries.

D-Mannose has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):

Science Ratings	Health Concerns
	Urinary tract infections
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. For a herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

Who is likely to be deficient?

As D-mannose is not an essential nutrient, except in certain rare genetic disorders people produce sufficient amounts to provide for the bodies' needs.

How much is usually taken

Some doctors report that D-mannose might help prevent or treat urinary tract infections caused by E. coli and recommend 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dissolved in water or juice every two to three hours while awake.²

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Test tube studies suggest that consuming large amounts of mannose might lead to birth defects,³ although this is not considered a likely risk in humans consuming mannose from foods and naturally producing their own mannose.⁴ Nonetheless, until more is known, pregnant women should use supplemental mannose with caution.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with D-mannose.

References

1. Herman RH. Mannose metabolism I. Am J Clin Nutr 1971;24:488–98 [review].

2. Wright JV, Lenard L. D-Mannose & Bladder Infection:The Natural Alternative to Antibiotics. Auburn, WA: Dragon Art, 2001:17.

3. Freinkel N, Lewis NJ, Akazawa S, Roth SI, Gorman L. The honeybee syndrome: implications of the teratogenicity of mannose in rat-embryo culture. N Engl J Med 1984;310:223–30.

4. Freinkel N, Lewis NJ, Akazawa S, et al. The honeybee syndrome: teratogenic effects of mannose during organogenesis in rat embryo culture. Trans Assoc Am Physicians 1983;96:44–55.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires August 2007.