The Ultimate Guide to D-Mannose for Common Vaginal Concerns
Do you suffer from
urinary tract infections (UTIs), yeast infections, or bacterial vaginosis (BV)?
Many women are now turning to natural treatment options and prevention methods like D-mannose supplements. In this comprehensive article, we’re covering everything you need to know about D-mannose.
What Is D-Mannose?
D-mannose is a type of naturally-occurring simple sugar related to glucose. For reference, glucose is a simple sugar found in many carbohydrates like bread, rice, fruit, sugar, and milk. D-mannose and glucose have the same molecular formula of C6H12O6. D-mannose is found most prominently in cranberries, apples, mangos, oranges, peaches, aloe vera, and even seaweed.
Over the years, researchers have discovered that D-mannose sticks to E. coli bacteria. Since D-mannose might have the ability to stop E. coli from attaching to the urinary tract, many studies have started evaluating whether D-mannose can work as an effective urinary tract infection (UTI) treatment.
Is D-Mannose an Effective UTI Treatment?
If you suffer from urinary tract infections (UTIs), you might have come across D-mannose as a natural UTI treatment option. Is it legit, or is it just another “natural” option that doesn’t actually do anything? We like to turn to science to help answer that question.
One of the most popular studies on D-mannose was published in 2016 in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences. This pilot study came out of the Department of Gynecological Obstetrics and Urologic Sciences at University Sapienza of Rome.
At this point, researchers knew that D-mannose seemed to hinder bacteria from sticking to the urothelium, or the lining of the lower urinary tract. This study wanted to determine whether D-mannose alone could treat UTIs in women. Researchers also wanted to see if D-mannose could help women who tend to get frequent UTIs.
This pilot study administered a D-mannose compound twice daily for 3 days and then once a day for 10 days. The researchers monitored patient symptoms, and over the next 6 months, a random set of patients continued to receive prophylaxis, or action is taken to prevent UTIs. After completing the 13-day D-mannose treatment, patients saw a significant improvement in the majority of symptoms! The study reports, “D-mannose seemed to have had a significant positive effect on UTIs’ resolution and [Quality of Life] improvement.”
This pilot study set the precedent for D-mannose as an effective UTI treatment and prevention plan.
There’s another double blind randomized study currently being conducted in the UK, which is following 508 women who get recurrent UTIs. Half of the women are receiving D-mannose supplements, while the other half will receive a placebo. The study will conclude in March 2020 and will help us further understand how D-mannose treats UTIs.
D-Mannose vs. Antibiotics for UTI Treatment
Antibiotics for UTI treatment are problematic for several reasons:
They wipe out good and bad bacteria, which can cause vaginal pH balance concerns (and future issues like yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis).
They wipe out good and bad bacteria, which can cause vaginal pH balance concerns (and future issues like yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis).
They wipe out good and bad bacteria, which can cause vaginal pH balance concerns (and future issues like yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis).
The resistance is a major concern, particularly among the medical community. Over time, continued use of antibiotics can lead to higher and longer doses. While bacterial resistance is still being studied, there’s concern among the medical profession that antibiotics may ultimately be rendered completely ineffective.
Because D-mannose is showing serious promise among pilot studies for effectively and naturally treating urinary tract infections (UTIs), we highly recommend giving it a try. Plus, if you tend to get other infections after a UTI antibiotic regimen, D-mannose can put a stop to it.
Is D-Mannose an Effective Yeast Infection Treatment?
Women who rely on antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) often report getting a yeast infection as a result. Why?
Antibiotics wipe out the good and bad bacteria, which typically clears up the infection, but it also leaves your vaginal microflora unstable. When all the good bacteria is gone, you have the perfect breeding ground for yeast called Candida.
When Candida multiply, you experience the itching, burning, swelling, and discharge associated with a yeast infection. While there’s no current research on D-mannose as a yeast infection treatment, D-mannose can naturally treat and prevent UTIs, which prevents yeast infections as a result!
How Long Should I Take D-Mannose for UTI Treatment?
Most research has shown that taking D-mannose for about 2 weeks helps reduce and clear up symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs). The pilot study we referenced earlier had the patients take D-mannose for 13 days, which is a good baseline for those wanting to give it a try.
However, all of the trials being done with D-mannose for UTI treatment have participants taking D-mannose supplements for several months after the UTI clears up. D-mannose is proving to be an effective prevention against UTIs, so continuing to take D-mannose for at least 6 months after your UTI can prevent future UTIs from wreaking havoc on your life!
Remember: in that pilot study, only 4.5% of patients who continued to take D-mannose for 6 months got another UTI. On the other hand, over 33% of those who stopped taking D-mannose got another UTI!
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Yeast infections
Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
Candida-related vaginal odor
Vaginal itching
D-Mannose in Popular Store Brands
When you browse the aisles of your local pharmacy or grocery store, you’ll likely come across daily D-mannose supplements. There are a few things to look out for when choosing a D-mannose supplement for UTI prevention.
What to Look for In Products With D-Mannose
First of all, steer clear of chewable D-mannose supplements. Most of these contain added sugar, typically in the form of dextrose which is derived from GMO corn (unless the label has the Non-GMO Project Verified logo). Chewable supplements also typically contain artificial flavors.
Additionally, you want to look out for D-mannose dosages. It’s quite common to see a dosage of 50mg, which is not nearly enough to have any kind of significant impact on your urinary tract. In addition, there are some brands where you are instructed to take 9 – yes, 9! – capsules every day. That’s a lot of pills of swallow! Keep an eye out for the dosage recommendations.
Finally, most widely available D-mannose supplements only contain D-mannose or perhaps a blend of D-mannose, some Vitamin C, and cranberry concentrate. While there’s nothing wrong with these ingredients, most women want to treat and prevent a wide array of feminine issues at once!
Additional ingredients that can support a healthy vaginal pH include Oregano Leaf, Caprylic Acid, Aloe Vera, and perhaps most importantly, a strong dosage of probiotics. Finding a single supplement with all of these active ingredients combined is a tough task, but don’t worry, we have you covered.
Praise for Balance Complex
I noticed an improvement
By Anonymous Amazon Customer on September 30, 2019
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I’ve had candida and bv issues off and on since late 2016 due to being over-prescribed antibiotics. I noticed an improvement within 2 weeks.*
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I finally feel really fresh and confident
By Anonymous Amazon Customer on August 12, 2019
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I finally feel really fresh and confident all this time, no more signs of BV or candida that most of women having but it is not “proper” to talk about. Will be definitely ordering more!*
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This product is everything it claims to be
By Anonymous Amazon Customer on July 2, 2019
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This product is everything it claims to be, from my experience. Candida symptoms were gone in a couple of days. Great combination of ingredients!*
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How Is the D-Mannose in Balance Complex Different?
Balance Complex contains a unique D-mannose Feminine Blend consisting of Cranberry Fruit (10:1 extract) and D-mannose. This 300mg dosage supports your vaginal health by protecting and nourishing your urinary tract and urinary tract lining.
In addition to the proprietary Feminine Blend, Balance Complex contains 100 billion CFU/g of Lactobacillus acidophilus, a powerful probiotic that supports vaginal health. In a 2007 study, L. acidophilus rebalanced the vaginal pH levels of nearly every woman analyzed. Most brands contain less than half of this probiotic strength.
Balance Complex also boasts 250mg of Oregano Leaf, 400mg of Caprylic Acid, 50mg of Aloe Vera Leaf, and so much more.
One study published in Mol Cell Biochem found that oregano extract completely inhibits the growth of C. Albicans or Candida albicans. Candida is the type of yeast that can cause yeast infections. Several studies have linked Caprylic acid to urinary tract infection (UTI) prevention and Candida prevention. It has the ability to support the good bacteria in your body while also balancing your pH levels. This helps fight off and prevent bacterial vaginosis (BV).
Aloe Vera has been linked to yeast infection prevention, and it can also prevent the growth of unhealthy bacteria linked to urinary tract infections (UTIs). If you’ve been looking for a single supplement containing ingredients that have been scientifically linked to treating and preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs), yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis (BV), vaginal itching, and Candida-related vaginal odor, Balance Complex is the answer.
We believe so strongly in the power of Balance Complex and its D-mannose Feminine Blend that we’re extending an offer for 30% off your first bottle. Even better? It’s exclusive to Amazon. Get it in 2 days with free shipping and 100% free returns if you’re not happy with your purchase or don’t see results.
Don’t leave without your 30% off coupon!!
By Andrea on March 2, 2019
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If you have bacterial vaginosis, candida or other infections, this is an excellent probiotic supplement that helps kill the bad bacteria in your body while promoting the good bacteria you need to maintain balance. *
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