D-Mannose is a natural occurring simple sugar that appears to be a safe, practical alternative for the treatment of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). It occurs naturally in many plants, including cranberries, blueberries, peaches, oranges, and apples. As a supplement, it can be purchased in powder form, which dissolves easily in water or juice and has a pleasant taste. It is so safe that it can be used by pregnant women and children, and it is even considered safe for diabetics, as it doesn't interfere with blood sugar regulation. It is absorbed eight times slower than glucose, and when ingested, is not converted to glycogen or stored in the liver, but rather goes directly to the blood stream from the upper GI tract. Hence, D-Mannose is mostly filtered through the kidneys and routed to the bladder.
The bladder lining is comprised of polysaccharide molecules. Finger-like projections on the cell surface of E. coli bacteria adhere to these molecules, initiating an infection. In the presence of D-Mannose, E. coli preferentially attach to D-Mannose molecules forming a complex which is expelled with the next voiding. D-Mannose removes “bad” bacteria by attachment and voiding, whereas antibiotic treatment radically changes GI bacterial populations required for good health, potentially causing fungal or gastrointestinal infections. D-mannose does not kill any bacteria — friendly or unfriendly. It serves as a kind of magnet in the urinary tract, attracting any present E. coli bacteria and keeping it from attaching to the bladder lining (and dislodging any bacteria which are already attached). The bacteria cling to the D-Mannose molecules, and are flushed out with the normal urine flow.
References:
http://www.healingtherapies.info/D-Mannose.htm
http://health.learninginfo.org/natural-remedy-urinary-tract-infections.htm
