D-mannose is a simple sugar structurally related to glucose. It is absorbed slowly from the
gastrointestinal tract, and then a large proportion of it is excreted into the
urine.1
D-Mannose has been used in
connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual
health concern for complete information):
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.