Urinary tract infections are common, but they can be treated. Preventing recurrent infections is particularly important as it helps reduce discomfort and frustration. Preventive strategies include behavioral changes and the use of natural active substances, which are also recommended by the guidelines of the European Association of Urology. D-mannose and cranberry extract in particular enhance prevention.
Differences in the prevention of urinary tract infections with D-mannose and cranberry extract
D-mannose and cranberry extract are both known for their usefulness in preventing urinary tract infections, but their active ingredient content and mechanisms of action differ significantly. D-mannose is a specific simple sugar that has the ability to bind to bacteria, preventing them from attaching to the urinary tract walls and facilitating their expulsion from the body through urine. Cranberries do not provide enough D-mannose because they contain only very small amounts of D-mannose, which is not enough to achieve a therapeutic effect.
Unlike D-mannose, cranberry extract contains proanthocyanidins – active plant compounds that also help prevent bacteria from attaching to the cells of the urinary tract. The difference is that cranberries contain enough proanthocyanidins to ensure an effective action against urinary tract infections. These proanthocyanidins are the main active ingredients that make the use of cranberry extract effective.
Both substances, D-mannose and the proanthocyanidins contained in cranberry extract, work on a similar principle, preventing bacteria from attaching to the walls of the urinary tract. However, for therapeutic use, it is recommended to consume D-mannose in its pure form, which is usually available from dietary supplement e-stores or pharmacies, since the natural content of D-mannose in cranberries is too small to provide the same effect.
The combined use of cranberry extract and D-mannose may increase the effectiveness of treatment for simpler urinary tract infections. In addition, D-mannose and cranberry extract, in combination with antibiotics, can offer an even more effective solution.
The effectiveness of D-mannose has been studied in the treatment and prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections. Let’s summarize a study that assessed the effectiveness of D-mannose in the treatment and prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Although standard antibiotic prophylactic treatment regimens reduce the frequency of recurrent UTIs, D-mannose was found to be even more effective in the study, significantly extending the time to recurrence of infections.
The study included 60 female patients aged between 22 and 54 years (average age 42 years), who had previously experienced recurrent UTIs. Participants were divided into two groups, where they received either traditional antibiotic therapy or oral D-mannose. D-mannose was initially administered at 1 gram three times a day for two weeks, then 1 gram twice a day for the next 22 weeks. The results showed that the average time to recurrence of urinary tract infection was significantly longer in the D-mannose group, being 200 days, compared to 52.7 days for the group receiving antibiotic therapy (p < 0.0001). This highlighted the effectiveness of D-mannose in the treatment and prevention of recurrent UTIs.
Soluro Duo combines carefully selected active ingredients offering strong support for urinary tract health.
The Soluro Duo package contains one red capsule and one transparent capsule. The red capsule contains large-fruit cranberry dry extract (170mg), including proanthocyanidin (PAC) 30% – 51mg and freeze-dried cranberry concentrate 100mg. Additionally, there is a transparent capsule that contains 500mg of D-mannose. Adults take 1 red and 1 transparent capsule daily.
* Porru D, Parmigiani A, Tinelli C, et al. Oral D-mannose in recurrent urinary tract infections in women: a pilot study. Journal of Clinical Urology. 2014;7(3):208-213. doi:10.1177/2051415813518332
