Natural Ingredient D Mannose Powder: A Scientifically Proven Solution for Urinary Health

Asa leading supplier De lanatural plant extracts, Green Spring Technology continues to focus on functional ingredients with significant health benefits. D-mannose, a monosaccharide naturally found in fruits such as cranberries, is gaining widespread attention from R&D and procurement professionals due to its unique biological effects, particularly its efficacy in maintaining urinary tract health. Our high-purity, compliant D-mannose powder raw material provides strong support for food, beverage, and health supplement manufacturers in developing innovative and effective end products.

Mannose is a C-2 positional isomer of glucose, with the molecular formula C6H12O6, primarily existing in the form of a pyranose sugar, including α- and β-isomers [1-2]. This substance can be detected in various bodily fluids and tissues, such as neural tissue, skin, testicles, retina, liver, and intestines. Research indicates that the concentration of free mannose in mammalian plasma is approximately 50–100 μmol/L [3], which is about 1/50 of the glucose concentration.

In terms of transport mechanisms, mannose primarily enters mammalian cells via facilitated diffusion through hexose transporters on the cell membrane. Once inside the cell, it is converted into 6-phosphomannose by hexokinase. This product can be metabolised via phosphomannose isomerase (MPI) or participate in glycosylation processes through the action of phosphomannose mutase.

In the field of microbial interaction research, there are reports that the FimH protein, a component of Escherichia coli type I pili, can bind to mannose [4]. Based on this molecular interaction characteristic, related studies are exploring its potential application value [5].

A scientifically backed guardian of urinary tract health

Recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) are a significant health issue affecting a large number of people worldwide (especially women) and are a major cause of antibiotic overuse. There is an urgent need for safe and effective non-antibiotic preventive solutions.

Research indicates that D-mannose exerts its effects through a unique competitive binding mechanism:

1 Mechanism of D-mannose in maintaining urinary tract health

D-mannose helps maintain a clean urinary tract environment through a competitive binding mechanism (targeting the FimH protein), making it suitable for the development of urinary tract health products. Clinical studies show that daily supplementation of 2g can reduce the risk of recurrence by 50% (Domenici et al., 2016).

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common bacterial infections in women, with incidence increasing after menopause [8]. Approximately 20–30% of women experience recurrent UTIs. Recurrent UTI (rUTI) is defined as at least three UTI episodes within 12 months or at least two episodes within six months. UTIs are one of the most common reasons for antibiotic use globally, and the growing issue of antibiotic resistance underscores the importance of seeking non-antibiotic alternatives for preventing and treating UTIs [9]. The latest European Association of Urology guidelines recommend non-antimicrobial methods for preventing UTIs. In response, Scribano et al. [10] proposed a ‘uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) diet’ that includes various natural compounds, including mannose, which has been proven to be a safe and effective clinical method for preventing UTI recurrence while also limiting the adverse effects of long-term antibiotic use.

Many studies have shown that D mannose powder may influence certain biological markers of urinary tract infections [11-12]. Most urinary tract infections are associated with UPEC [13]. UPEC binds to mannitol via the FimH protein on its fimbriae, thereby adhering to the bladder surface [4]. Subsequently, UPEC may further proliferate. Spaulding et al. [5] modified mannose based on the characteristic of FimH protein binding to mannose, creating mannose glycoside, which was found to have higher affinity for FimH protein than mannose. In animal experiments, the number of UPEC in mice treated with mannose glycoside differed from that in the control group.

Furthermore, some researchers have utilised the characteristic of mannose binding to UPEC to develop a cytotoxic drug targeting UPEC. Polyethyleneimine (PEI) is a highly cytotoxic compound. Liu et al. [14] modified PEI with mannose, and the results showed that the bactericidal rate of the mannose-modified polyethyleneimine copolymer particles synthesized with a mass ratio of 100:36 PEI to mannose reached 100%, while the bactericidal rate was only 10% at a mass ratio of 100:0. When mannitol-modified PEI copolymer particles and PEI were used to treat cervical cancer HeLa cells, the results indicated that the former caused less harm to HeLa cells. This suggests that mannitol-modified PEI copolymer particles exhibit higher selectivity toward Escherichia coli and lower cytotoxicity toward cells.

Based on the unique mechanism of mannose blocking bacterial adhesion, researchers are exploring novel non-antibiotic therapeutic strategies targeting UPEC, aiming to interfere with bacterial adhesion to the bladder surface. Such approaches may offer potential alternatives to reduce antibiotic use, thereby potentially lowering the risk of antibiotic-resistant UPEC emergence.

D-mannose powder is an ideal natural raw material for developing urinary health supplements (such as powders, tablets, and capsules) and functional foods/beverages. It offers consumers an antibiotic-free preventive option, aligning with the strong market demand for natural, safe, and effective solutions.

2 Potential health benefits under exploration: inflammation management and immune regulation

Beyond urinary tract health, research suggests that D-mannose may have potential value in inflammation response management and immune regulation, though these areas require further clinical research validation:

Immune cell function: Preliminary studies (primarily in cell and animal models) indicate that mannose may influence the function and metabolic pathways of specific immune cells (e.g., T cells, macrophages), such as promoting the differentiation of regulatory T cells (Tregs).

Inflammatory pathways: Some studies have observed that natural mannose may exert anti-inflammatory effects in specific inflammatory models (e.g., colitis, osteoarthritis) by influencing intracellular metabolites (e.g., mannose-6-phosphate) and key signaling molecules (e.g., HIF-1α).

Gut microbiota: Some animal studies suggest that oral mannose intake may be associated with changes in gut microbiota composition.

Glucose plays a central role in cellular energy production, storage, and regulation. Mannose, as the C-2 isomer of glucose, is naturally present in various plants and fruits, particularly cranberries. Existing research indicates that the physiological blood concentration of mannose is approximately one-fiftieth that of glucose, and its biological functions remain incompletely elucidated [27]. Recent studies have reported enhanced glycolytic activity in certain inflammatory diseases, a metabolic characteristic similar to the Warburg effect in tumours. Related research is exploring the association between mannose and immune regulation [28].

The potential mechanisms of mannose in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases are currently being explored. Some studies have observed that oral mannose administration may be associated with the regulation of CD4+ T cells in autoimmune diabetes and airway inflammation models, including promoting Treg cell generation and influencing related metabolic pathways (such as fatty acid oxidation and ROS production) [29]. Similar phenomena have been reported in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models: Hwang et al. [30] found that oral mannose was associated with delayed disease progression in EAE models and suggested that this may be related to Treg cell differentiation. Additionally, Liu et al. [31] showed that in an ovariectomised mouse model, mannose may be associated with changes in gut microbiota composition and bone metabolism markers. These studies suggest that the regulatory effects of mannose on immune cell function and metabolic pathways require further validation.

Studies indicate that mannose may participate in regulating the expression of the inflammatory factor IL-1β. In vitro experiments showed that mannose is associated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage activation, and a slowing of inflammatory progression was observed in a mouse colitis model induced by sodium dextran sulfate.

Mechanistic studies suggest that this phenomenon may be related to the accumulation of 6-phosphomannose within cells and the regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α activity [33].  

Additionally, Lin et al. [33] found in an osteoarthritis model that mannitol-treated chondrocytes exhibited altered autophagy activity, which was correlated with IL-1β-induced cellular degeneration. Zhou et al. [34] further proposed that mannitol may influence chondrocyte ferroptosis through an HIF-2α-dependent pathway.  

The above results are based on specific experimental models, and their biological significance and potential applications require further validation.

Studies indicate that mannose may exert multifaceted regulatory effects on the function of immune cells. Guo et al. [35] demonstrated that human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) pretreated with mannose exhibited a correlation with T cell proliferation inhibition in vitro, accompanied by changes in IL-6 expression levels and increased Treg cell differentiation.

Current research suggests that mannose may participate in immune regulation through multiple pathways, and its potential application value in autoimmune and inflammation-related diseases requires further clinical validation.

3 Conclusion

These findings provide preliminary scientific clues for the potential application of D-mannose in a broader range of functional products related to immune health, joint health, or metabolic health, warranting continued attention and research.

Green Spring Technology has a deep understanding of the importance of compliance for export businesses. The D-mannose powder raw material we provide is fermented-sourced, natural, and reliable; with a purity of 99%, it meets strict quality requirements; compliant with international standards, it empowers your product innovation.

Discuss with our technical team the application of D-mannose in your food, beverage, or health supplements.  

Contact Information:  

WhatsApp: +86 13649243917  

Email: helen@greenspringbio.com  

Website: https://www.greenspringnatural.com

Référence:

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[2]Bunn HF, Higgins PJ. Réaction des monosaccharides avec des protéines: Possible évolutif Importance [J]. La Science,  1981, p. 1. 213(4504) :222⁃224.

[3]Alton G, Hasilik M, Niehues R, et al. Utilisation directe du nez d’homme pour la biosynthèse de la glycoprotéine de mammifère [J]. Glycobiology, 1998, 8(3) :285⁃295.

[4]Krogfelt KA, Bergmans H, Klemm P. preuve directe que la protéine FimH est l’adhesine spécifique de mannose⁃ de fimbriae de type 1 de Escherichia coli [J]. Infect Immun, 1990, 58(6) : 1995-1998.

[5]Spaulding CN, Klein RD, Ruer S, et al. Épuisement sélectif d’e. coli uropathogène de l’intestin par un antagoniste du FimH [J]. Na⁃ture, 2017, 546(7659) :528⁃532.

[6]Gonzalez PS, O'Prey J, Cardaci S, et al. Mannose altère la croissance des tumeurs et renforce la chimiothérapie [J]. La Nature, À partir de 2018 563(7733) :719⁃723.

[7]Zhang W, Cheng H, Gui YY, et al. Traitement Mannose: une nouvelle stratégie promis⁃ing pour supprimer l’inflammation [J]. Avant Immunol, 2021, 12 :756920.

[8]Caretto M, Giannini A, Russo E, et al. Prévenir les infections urinaires après la ménopause sans antibiotiques [J]. Maturitas, 2017, 99 :43-46.

[9]Sihra N, Goodman A, Zakri R, et al. Prévention et prise en charge non antibiotiques des infections urinaires récurrentes [J]. Nat Rev Urol, 2018, 15(12) :750⁃776.

[10]Scribano D, Sarshar M, Fettucciari L, et al. Infections des voies urinaires: peut-on prévenir l’infection à Escherichia coli uropathogène avec une intervention alimentaire? [J]. Int J Vitam Nutr Res, 2021, 91(5/6) : 391 ⁃395.

[11]Domenici L, Monti M, Bracchi C, et al. D ⁃mannose: un soutien prometteur pour les infections urinaires aiguës chez les femmes. Étude pilote [J]. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci, 2016, 20(13) :2920⁃2925.