D-mannose – natural support for inflammation of the urinary tract

Do you often suffer from urinary tract and bladder infections? Are these infections recurring, becoming chronic, and do you feel that antibiotics no longer help you?

Every year, approximately 150 million cases of urinary tract infections (UTIs) are recorded worldwide, with 80% caused by the E. coli bacteria. Women are affected more frequently than men due to anatomical differences (the urethra in women is shorter than in men) and the sensitivity of the urogenital area. About 50% of women experience a urinary tract infection at least once in their lifetime, with 20-30% of those affected experiencing a recurrence within six months. Uropathogenic E. coli is part of the normal physiological flora found in the small and large intestines. Due to the proximity of the anus and urethra, bacteria can migrate to the urinary tract and contaminate the bladder. When they reach the bladder via the urethra, colonies of bacteria form within the urothelial cells, which may remain dormant or form a biofilm.

The epithelium of the bladder (urothelium) continuously renews itself by shedding layers of mature cells, which are replaced by new, young cells. It is composed of the protein uroplakin 1a, which has receptors on its surface that are glycosylated with mannose, a simple sugar recognized by bacteria as food. Mannose is crucial for the adhesion of bacteria to the bladder wall. When bacterial colonies within the bladder cells become invasive, they move from the cells to the surface of the urothelium, causing acute, chronic, and recurrent urinary tract and bladder infections. If the conditions for bacterial survival in the bladder, such as pH, temperature, nutrients, and iron levels (optimal conditions for growth and invasion), are met, bacteria begin to develop fimbriae (pili) for movement and recognize mannose on the bladder epithelium. In other words, when there is contact between the bacterial cell and the urothelial cell on the surface of the bladder, an infection occurs. Due to the frequent recurrence of urinary tract infections and unsuccessful antibiotic treatments, chronic and recurrent infections arise from bacterial resistance to antibiotics, which are often prescribed even when antibiotic treatment is unnecessary or the cause of the infection is still unknown.

Scientists have begun to explore new treatment methods for infections to reduce the incidence of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. They have concluded that it is necessary to introduce control over antibiotic treatments and to find alternative ways to address infections. To prevent infection, it is essential to avoid contact between bacteria and host cells, which has become their guiding principle.

Today, we distinguish three basic approaches to treating urinary tract infections:

• Antibiotic treatment with bacteriostatic action,
• Antibiotic treatment with bactericidal action,
• The latest approach: antiadhesive therapy.

In the case of bacteriostatic action, antibiotics work by preventing the further multiplication of bacteria. Bactericidal antibiotics kill the bacteria that cause infections. However, antibiotic treatment also eliminates beneficial bacteria in the body, leading to inevitable and frequent side effects. Diarrhea, bloating, and digestive issues arise from the destruction of beneficial probiotic bacteria in the intestines, while the killing of beneficial bacteria that maintain vaginal acidity can result in fungal or bacterial vaginosis in women. The use of bacteriostatic agents leads to changes and manipulation of the bacterial genetic material, causing bacteria to develop their own defense mechanisms against antibiotics, which is reflected in the emergence of antibiotic resistance.

The third form of infection treatment aims to prevent contact between bacteria and host cells, hence it is called antiadhesive therapy. This method of treatment has no side effects and, importantly, resistance cannot develop against antiadhesives. In treating bladder inflammation with antiadhesives, the goal is to use a substance that mimics mannose, which is present on the surface of urothelial cells and will be recognized by bacteria as their food and receptor. Mannose, which is absorbed into the body and reaches the bladder, will freely float in the bladder’s contents. Bacteria will recognize mannose through receptor tips on their fimbriae, thus they will not attach to the urothelium. In this way, contact between the bacteria and host cell is prevented. The complex of bacteria and mannose, which floats freely in the bladder’s contents, will be expelled from the body through urination, which can be enhanced with ample hydration and natural plant-based diuretics in the form of teas or dietary supplements combined with mannose

Uro Balance contains an innovative combination of vitamin C, plant-based bird’s foot trefoil as a diuretic, mannose (which is found on the epithelium of the bladder and is a component of uroplakin Ia), and cranberry extract rich in proanthocyanidins. D-mannose is a simple sugar that belongs to the group of organic compounds known as carbohydrates. It plays a significant role in metabolic processes in the human body, with the most important being the glycosylation of proteins. It can be found in cranberries, blueberries, pears, apples, oranges, corn, potatoes, cabbage, and more. Mannose is crucial for Uro Balance as it blocks mannose receptors on the fimbriae of E. coli.

Additionally, proanthocyanidins from cranberries enhance the synergistic action of D-mannose in blocking the adhesion of E. coli to the bladder walls. It is important to note that E. coli has two different types of fimbriae on its surface—H fimbriae, which recognize mannose, and P fimbriae, which do not recognize mannose, allowing E. coli to still attach to the bladder walls.

The main role of proanthocyanidins is to inhibit P fimbriae. Thus, the combination of mannose and proanthocyanidins works synergistically to completely block bacterial adhesion to the bladder walls, as proanthocyanidins and mannose occupy all receptors on the fimbriae. Proanthocyanidins belong to the polyphenol group and can be found in cranberries, elderberries, chokeberries, fresh grapes, red wine, and red grapefruit. The extract of the bird’s foot trefoil plant acts as a diuretic, promoting urine production and consequently helping to eliminate bacteria from the body. Vitamin C contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system and, as an acid (ascorbic acid), increases urine acidity. It is known that an acidic pH is unfavorable for bacteria, so we can say that this innovative combination is a powerful “cocktail” for addressing urinary tract issues. Mannose and proanthocyanidins, as natural remedies, provide reliable support in addressing urinary infections without the development of resistance and open the door to a new era of discovering natural and safe “antibiotics.”

Suzana Kranjčec, mag. pharm.

FAQ

D-mannose is a natural sugar that is often used as a dietary supplement due to its potential health benefits. Some of the benefits of D-mannose include:

Support for Urinary Health: D-mannose is known for its ability to prevent the attachment of bacteria to the walls of the urinary tract, which can help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). By consuming D-mannose, we can prevent bacteria like E. coli from adhering to the mucous membranes of the urinary tract, thereby reducing the risk of infections and aiding in their treatment.

Support for Gut Health: D-mannose may also help maintain a healthy gut flora and digestive function. Some individuals report improvements in symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) after taking D-mannose.

Support for the Immune System: D-mannose can act as an immunomodulator, meaning it may help regulate the immune system’s function. This can contribute to better resistance against infections and strengthen the body’s immune response.

Support for Skin Health: Some people use D-mannose as an ingredient in cosmetic products due to its moisturizing properties. It is also believed to help regulate skin moisture and promote skin health.