D-Mannose

Othersimple sugarModerate dose evidence

Also known as: mannose, D-mannopyranose

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D-mannose is a naturally occurring simple sugar related to glucose, found in cranberries and other fruits and made commercially from corn or wood sugars. Unlike glucose it is largely excreted unchanged in urine, which is the basis for its use in urinary tract support products. It has been studied in randomized trials at 2 grams per day and is usually taken as a powder dissolved in water or in capsules, frequently combined with cranberry extract.

Research summary

Studied for binding to bacterial adhesins in urine so that bacteria are flushed rather than attaching to the bladder wall.

Dosage

Daily amounts, of compound.

Lowest studiedTypical rangeHighest studiedUpper limit
1 g1–2 g

Doses are in grams. 2 g once daily was used in the largest randomized trial; some products split 1 g twice daily. Dissolves readily in water. May cause loose stools at higher intakes.

Source material: fermentation or hydrolysis of plant sugars

Format suitability

  • Capsule
  • Powder
  • Tablet
  • Softgel
  • Gummy
  • Liquid

Mildly sweet, freely soluble; capsule count is high at gram doses.

Formulation notes

Pairs with cranberry. Sugar-like taste makes it easy to flavor.

Sources

  1. D-mannose powder for prophylaxis of recurrent urinary tract infections in women: a randomized clinical trial. (Kranjčec B 2014)PubMed
  2. D-mannose for preventing and treating urinary tract infections. (Cooper TE 2022)PubMed

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