Do you suffer from reoccurring UTIs? You may be looking to improve your gut health. You may have heard of D-mannose supplements, but do you know everything about this super sugar? From its health benefits to scientific studies and more, at Active Burst we’ve compiled the information you need to know before taking D-mannose capsules! So, ready to discover the power of this natural sugar that punches?
What is D-mannose?
D-mannose (or as it’s also known Carubinose, D-manosa, Mannose, and Seminose) is a type of sugar closely related to glucose, both of which belong to a group referred to as ‘simple sugars’, meaning they consist of just one sugar molecule. Both of these sugars occur naturally in our bodies, but they can also be found in various fruits and vegetables such as cranberries, apples, oranges, broccoli and green beans, to name a few. However, when d-mannose is created by our bodies, it’s mainly synthesised from glucose or derived from endogenous glycoconjugates.
What are the benefits of D-mannose?
Most famously, D-mannose is used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), a common, persistent and painful (and for some reoccurring) problem more likely to affect women"s health than men. It’s not always clear why UTIs occur. Still, usually, it’s when bacteria from the gut (namely E.coli) enter the unitary tract and grow and become infected, which can cause pain and discomfort, difficulty urinating, and generally feeling achy, unwell and tired. In some cases, UTIs can cause vomiting and a low-grade fever.
Research suggests that D-mannose can prevent a UTI by stopping these harmful bacteria from latching on and growing. When Mannose is combed orally via supplements, it eventually works down to our kidneys and is expelled through the bladder. While passing through the bladder, it can attach itself to any E. coli bacteria that may be lingering and prevent it from sticking to any cells, which stops the growth of the infection.
This 2013 study found that over a period of six months, D-mannose was just as effective as an antibiotic for 308 women who suffered from frequent UTIs. Another study conducted in 2016 evaluated the effects of D-mannose on 43 women with UTIs and found that at the end of the study, most participants saw an improvement in their symptoms.
Besides alleviating UTIs and their painful symptoms, D-mannose can also help improve gut health. A healthy gut is critical to overall wellness, and it’s crucial to promoting the growth of good bacteria in your digestive system. D-mannose is known to help fuel the growth of healthy bacteria, allowing them to thrive and keep your gut in great shape!
Who shouldn’t take D-mannose?
According to WebMD, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid taking D-mannose supplements. The lack of studies on the level of safety surrounding these specific circumstances means there’s not a great deal of evidence to suggest what the effects might be, so it’s best to steer clear.
Additionally, people who take any prescribed medication should refrain from using it, or consult their doctor for a second opinion to ensure their medication will not conflict with the supplement.
People with diabetes should also avoid taking D-mannose, as it is a sugar and could potentially make it difficult to control blood-sugar levels. If you have any concerns about taking D-mannose, always seek a professional opinion from your healthcare provider - for safety and peace of mind!
Does D-mannose have any known side-effects?
D-mannose generally agrees with most people well and causes minimal, if any, side effects on most users. However, because everybody is different, some people may react differently. If you experience discomfort from taking D-mannose, always stop immediately and consult your doctor. Some side-effects people have reported experiencing while taking D-mannose include:
- Bloating
- Loose stools
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
According to WebMD, when D-mannose is taken orally in the form of supplements, it’s perfectly safe for the vast majority of people for up to 6 months. However, there isn't enough evidence to suggest the effects afterwards, so long-term use isn't recommended. Always consult your doctor before adding a new supplement to your diet so you can enjoy the benefits as part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
At Active Burst, our D-Mannose 500mg Capsules don't contain any bulking agents or additives, only the supplement you paid for. We have a strict no-nasties policy, so you can't rest assured that all our ingredients are 100% organic. Got questions? No problem! Feel free to contact us via info@active-burst.com or at 07854 492 046, and our team will be delighted to assist you. Get the best for your body with Active Burst!
