D-mannose prevents UTIs as effectively as an antibiotic
The report describes a trial in which 308 women who suffered from recurrent UTIs were given either 2 grams of D-mannose powder per day, 50 mg of the antibiotic nitrofurantoin per day, or no treatment. After six months, the following effects were noted:
- Women treated with either D-mannose or the antibiotic had a lower risk of UTI recurrences than untreated women.
- While 60% of untreated women experienced a UTI during the trial, only 15% of those using D-mannose and 20% of those using the antibiotic had infections.
- Statistical calculations suggested that D-mannose and the antibiotic were equally effective.
- Women using D-mannose had fewer side effects than women using the antibiotic.
“We believe that D-mannose may be a useful agent for the prevention of recurrent UTIs,” the researchers said. They noted that placebo-controlled trials would be needed to verify their findings.
Keeping your urinary tract infection-free
If you suffer from recurrent UTIs, these findings suggest that D-mannose may be helpful to you. Here are some other things you can do to avoid infections:
- Flush with water. One way to prevent bacteria from clinging to the urinary tract is to keep fluid flowing through the system, so drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Take cranberry. Whether as juice or concentrated capsule, cranberry has been found in most, although not all, studies to be an effective UTI preventer. Unsweetened juice is a good choice, since it can help flush the urinary system without adding immune-impairing sugar to the system.
- Reach for herbs. Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva ursi) is often used to prevent UTIs, and studies show it may be effective for treating them; however, it should only be used with medical supervision once an infection is underway.
