We all know sugar is bad for you. But did you know some sugars have incredible health benefits? D-mannose is one of them.
Dmannose, d’mannose, d-mannose—no matter how you spell it, this ingredient is worth writing down. It’s a natural sugar found in many fruits, vegetables, and even human cells. Researchers have been studying the effects of D-mannose on the body for decades to determine its health benefits. What they’ve discovered is pretty amazing.
While D-mannose is generally safe and well-tolerated, there are some risks and side effects to be aware of. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about D-mannose.
What are the health benefits of D-mannose?
1. Stimulate growth of “good” bacteria
Your body is full of good and bad bacteria. The good ones help support your immune system, soothe inflammation, and more. Some researchers believe D-mannose can act as a prebiotic, stimulating the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut.
If you suffer from digestive issues or dysbiosis (an imbalance of good and bad bacteria), D-mannose might be an effective natural solution.
2. Prevent and treat UTIs
Anyone who has experienced a urinary tract infection knows just how frustrating it can be. UTIs happen when bacteria attach to the urinary tract lining and spreads. Symptoms include a constant urge to pee, even if your bladder is empty, and a burning sensation when you do.
Antibiotics are the most effective way to treat UTIs. But if you get recurrent UTIs, constantly taking antibiotics can increase your risk of becoming resistant to them over time.
Studies show D-mannose can be an effective alternative for preventing UTIs. The E.coli bacteria binds to the D-mannose, detaches from the urinary tract, and gets flushed out through your urine.
If you think you have a UTI, always seek treatment from a doctor right away before relying solely on D-mannose or any other supplement.
3. Treat carbohydrate-deficient glycoprotein syndrome type 1b
This rare disease causes you to lose protein through your intestines. It’s often hereditary and can lead to serious health concerns, like liver disease, easy bleeding, and severe diarrhea.
Studies show that D-mannose can help treat the disease by slowing down protein loss, improving liver function, reducing bleeding disorders, and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
What foods are a natural source of D-mannose?
Some of the most nutritious (and delicious) foods are packed with all-natural D-mannose. Try adding these foods to your diet for a D-mannose boost: apples, oranges, peaches, blueberries, cranberries, mangos, aloe vera, seaweed, cabbage, green beans, tomatoes, and black and red currants.
What are other sources of D-mannose besides food?
If you’re not getting enough D-mannose from your diet, supplements are a great alternative. They often come in capsule or powder form, which can be easily absorbed into your favourite drink.
Remember: many D-mannose supplements on the market aren’t regulated. It’s very important to choose supplements that are approved by your country’s national health authority, like Health Canada.
What is the recommended dosage of D-mannose?
Currently, there is no standard recommended dose for D-mannose. The most important thing is to make sure you aren’t taking too much. That’s where a lot of the potential risks come from.
If you’re looking for an effective and safe D-mannose supplement, aim for one that contains 1g of D-mannose per dose. Always talk to your doctor first if you’re concerned about dosage.
Are there any side effects or risks of taking D-mannose?
Most people can take D-mannose with no issues at all. But there are a few risks to be aware of, especially if you have high levels of D-mannose in your system.
Some of the more common side effects include bloating, diarrhea, and loose stool.
Since D-mannose is a sugar, taking it can impact your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, it’s best to talk to your doctor before taking D-mannose to make sure you can stay in control of your blood sugar.
Very high doses of D-mannose could also potentially cause kidney damage.
Lastly, children and pregnant or breastfeeding women should be cautious with D-mannose supplements. There isn’t enough research to show its effects on either group.
What is the safest and most effective D-mannose supplement?
Utiva D-mannose is proven to help reduce the risk of recurrent UTIs. Doctor-recommended and approved by Health Canada, this all-natural supplement contains 1mg of D-mannose per dose so that you can stop bad bacteria from causing infection. One review said it best:
"I take two servings per day, and this has been the most effective supplement I've taken to reduce (if not get rid of) UTI pain. The pain I've experienced is almost completely gone, and I notice that a tiny bit of pain pops up if I forget to take D-mannose." - Leanne, NC
Talk to your doctor about Utiva D-mannose for preventing your peskiest UTI problems.
