Promising early results for D-mannose in treating and preventing UTIs

This study examined D-mannose (Mannocist) as a treatment option for urinary tract infections (UTIs). Authors reported early results on the effectiveness of D-mannose in treating UTIs and reducing the risk of recurrent UTIs. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

A UTI is a bacterial infection that affects part of the urinary tract (consisting of the bladder and the urethra). It has been estimated that 35 to 53% of women with a UTI will have a recurrence.

Antibiotics are drugs that destroy or slow down the growth of bacteria. These can be given as a prophylaxis (treatment intended to prevent a disease from occurring) to reduce the chance of UTI recurrence. However, antibiotics are associated with a number of side effects and the effectiveness of antibiotics also reduces over time.

D-mannose (a simple sugar) is a nutritional supplement that is a possible alternative treatment for recurrent UTIs. It works by blocking bacteria from attaching to the inner surface of the urinary tract.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of D-mannose in the treatment of UTIs.

43 women with an ongoing UTI and/or a history of recurrent UTIs were included. All women were treated with D-mannose twice daily for 3 days and then once a day for 10 days. Treatment success or failure was assessed on Day 15. All women were then randomly assigned to receive D-mannose as a prophylaxis for 6 months or not. Clinical examinations and questionnaires recorded changes in UTI symptoms. Patients were followed for an average of 11.8 months.

On Day 15, 90.7% of women showed treatment success (no bacteria cultures detected in urine). Self-reported UTI symptoms improved with D-mannose treatment. Symptoms such as painful urination, frequent urination, urinary urgency, urgency to empty bowels, pain, and nighttime urination were all significantly improved. Patients also reported increased quality of life.

Only 4.5% of women receiving prophylactic D-mannose for 6 months had a recurrent UTI. This was significantly lower when compared to women not receiving the prophylaxis (33.3%). The average time to UTI recurrence was 43 days with D-mannose prophylaxis and 28 days for untreated patients.

Authors concluded that D-mannose can effectively treat and prevent UTIs. Authors also advise that further studies are needed to confirm these results.