D-mannose Shows Results in UTIs
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are very frequent in women and can be caused by a range of pathogens. High recurrence rates and increasing antibiotic resistance make UTIs a severe public health problem.
There is also an issue with those over 65 getting UTIs as it manifests as delirium or confusion. As we age, our blood-brain barrier thins out and allows more bacteria to pass over. Caretakers need to be alert to symptoms that might be UTIs appearing as delirium.
D-mannose is a monosaccharide that can inhibit bacterial adhesions. The results of a 2022 study show that D-mannose is a promising alternative to antibiotics in the treatment of UTIs in women. Although the disease affects both genders, it is much more prevalent in women.
In conventional medicine, UTIs are treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics have some drawbacks. It can alter the vaginal and gastrointestinal microbiome and cause antibiotic-resistant microorganisms.
Despite antibiotics, 20-30% of women with an initial UTI will develop a recurrent infection within 4-6 months. Recurrent UTI is defined by at least three episodes per year or at least two episodes within 6 months.
The authors of the study observed a significant improvement in most UTI symptoms following the administration of 1.5 grams of D-mannose, twice daily for three days and then once a day for 10 days.
In a trial looking at preventing UTIs, recurrences rates using D-mannose were 14.6 percent compared to 60.8 percent for participants who were not taking anything.
No significant side effects limiting long-term treatment have been reported.
Study Conclusions: “Analysis shows that patients using D-mannose…achieved very good clinical cure rates, similar to those achieved by patients receiving antibiotic treatments. Furthermore, symptom relief after three days of treatment was also comparable between D-mannose monotherapy and antibiotics. These findings are in line with previous studies showing similar effectiveness of D-mannose to that of antibiotics in UTI prevention. Therefore, D-mannose may be a safe and effective alternative to antibiotics.”
Source:
PMID: 35326777
PMID: 36632270
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.