D-Mannose

Researchers have so much left to discover about IC, or Painful Bladder Syndrome. They still don’t know the cause of the condition, but have several theories. One hypothesis points to inflammation of the bladder wall. This results in a range of symptoms that significantly impact comfort and quality of life, and make treatment challenging.

Most IC patients look towards a multidisciplinary approach, including diet changes and supplementation. Learn more about how your diet could be triggering IC flares: The IC diet: 7 foods to avoid.

Common symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis include pelvic pain, frequent urination, urgency, and discomfort during sexual intercourse. An IC flare is often unpredictable and extremely painful. Without a universally effective treatment, many IC sufferers are frustrated.

D-mannose is a sugar found in many fruits, including cranberries, peaches, apples, and even in the human body. It helps to prevent bacteria from “sticking” to the wall of the bladder. D-mannose has gained attention in recent years for its potential therapeutic effects on urinary tract health.

Here’s a breakdown of a few benefits of D-mannose for IC:

• Prevents bacterial sticking
• Helps ease inflammation
• Promotes a healthy urinary tract

Prevents bacterial sticking.

Research suggests that D-mannose may help prevent recurrent UTIs by inhibiting bacterial adhesion. So, what does that have to do with IC?

Well, the two conditions actually share quite a few similarities. IC mimics a UTI and often results in a misdiagnosis as such. Moreover, many patients with IC have frequent, recurrent UTIs.

Currently, limited clinical studies have investigated the efficacy of D-mannose specifically for IC. However, some studies have explored its benefits for recurrent UTIs and it might be beneficial to help with IC.

D-mannose helps prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall, which is a major advantage for IC. D-mannose works by binding to bacteria and stopping them from sticking to the bladder. Instead, urine flushes out the harmful bacteria that could cause infection or irritation.

Helps ease inflammation.

As mentioned above, the cause of IC is presently unknown. We don’t know if inflammation is the cause or just a symptom of IC. However, we do know that chronic inflammation is a hallmark of the condition.

D-mannose has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, potentially contributing to the reduction of inflammation in the bladder. D-mannose can help ease inflammation and relieve symptoms, like pain and discomfort in IC.

Promotes a healthy urinary tract.

D-mannose promotes the overall health of the urinary tract. It can act as a prebiotic, fostering the growth of “good” bacteria.

D-mannose also supports the integrity of the mucosal lining. A healthy mucosal barrier is crucial for protecting the bladder wall from irritants and pathogens. For an IC bladder, this could help soothe flares and minimize their occurrence.

D-mannose may offer support for people struggling with IC. It prevents bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall, causing irritation and infection. It may also be beneficial in soothing pain and discomfort associated with IC.

Many choose a multifaceted, holistic approach to manage the complex nature of IC. You can try combining D-mannose with other methods, like changing your diet or doing specific pelvic floor exercises that help relax the bladder.

There is no single solution for IC. Finding what works for you is part of the healing process. Consult a healthcare professional to explore what treatment options might be right for you.

For more information about our potent ingredients, visit our Ingredient Glossary.