2023-10-08 06:24:00
By Beke Enderstein, graduate ecotrophologist | October 8, 2023, 8:24 a.m
The world of sugar is so diverse that mannose also belongs there. In contrast to many of its relatives, the monosaccharide is of little importance as a sweetener. Instead, it is primarily used in the medical sector. Nutrition expert and FITBOOK author Beke Enderstein presents the most important facts and explains why mannose is becoming increasingly popular as a dietary supplement – especially among women.
While table sugar, glucose and fructose syrup, etc. are primarily associated with health risks such as obesity, diabetes and tooth decay, mannose plays a special role. The reason: Due to its special antibacterial properties, this type of sugar is used as a natural alternative to antibiotics for bladder infections.
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What is mannose?
It is a monosaccharide (simple sugar) that occurs naturally as a sugar building block in various plants. While mannose in the plant kingdom only occurs in the so-called D configuration – a special molecular arrangement of the OH group – from a chemical point of view, L-mannose can only be produced synthetically. The structure is similar to the structural structure of the monosaccharide glucose (dextrose).
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What foods does it contain?
The answer: especially in fruits. The sources include berries such as cranberries, blueberries and cranberries as well as fruits such as apples, peaches and oranges. D-mannose is also found in corn, dates and yeast.
Overview Apples Oranges Blueberries Cranberries Cranberries Peaches Mangos Pineapple Dates Yeast Corn Stone Nuts
This is how many calories simple sugar provides
Since mannose is excreted almost unmetabolized by the body via the kidneys in the urine, the energy content is not relevant. Compared to glucose, mannose is almost 60 percent sweeter.
The production
The body is able to synthesize mannose itself from glucose or fructose. In the food industry, the monosaccharide D-mannose is produced by oxidizing mannitol (sugar alcohol). Mannitol is 0.7 times more sweet than sucrose (sugar). Additionally, mannose can be extracted from corn.
Also interesting: Fructose ensures that more fat is stored in the body
The benefits of this type of sugar
First of all, D-mannose is a natural type of sugar that is considered well tolerated because it is produced in small quantities by the body – and is therefore not classified as a foreign substance. Therefore, no side effects are to be expected. Since mannose is not metabolized in an insulin-dependent manner like conventional sugar, it can also be used as a sweetener for diabetes mellitus.
As a dietary supplement
This type of sugar has a particular application in the context of women’s bladder health. The reason: If D-mannose is supplemented in high doses as powder, granules or capsules, pathogenic germs (E. coli bacteria) are prevented from settling in the mucous membrane of the bladder and leading to inflammatory processes.
In a medical context
Due to its natural structure, the simple sugar is also suitable for treating bladder infections during pregnancy. Additionally, everyone who wants a natural alternative to antibiotics benefits.
Also interesting: Cystitis – causes, triggers and treatment options
The advantages at a glance Made from natural sources Well tolerated by diabetics Suitable natural alternative to antibiotics
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Health disadvantages of mannose
There are no known health risks, but mannose is only suitable for treating cystitis if the disease is uncomplicated. In this regard, it is important, for example, that the inflammation has not yet spread to the kidneys. In contrast to antibiotics, mannose should be supplemented for a longer period of time and only has a simple effect: mannose prevents pathogenic germs from attaching, but does not have an antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving effect.
Since the study material regarding the natural therapy of bladder infections with mannose is still quite clear, further research must follow in order to be able to make detailed statements regarding taking mannose for bladder infections.
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