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Maximum Urinary
Tract Support
The following discussion
represents a theory of action
and is not intended as
substantiation for any structure/function claims
Urinary tract or bladder infection is both a painful condition and
a major cause of doctor visits. Every year 6 million Americans suffer
at least one occurrence of this common problem and 20% of this group
experience more than one episode. Antibiotics are routinely used
for 10 days or longer to combat the infection and provide relief.
Unfortunately, there is growing evidence that the sought after relief
is getting harder and harder to achieve for three very important
reasons:
1. Only a few of the commonly used antibiotics achieve adequate
levels in the urinary tract to be fully effective;
2. The infection causing bacteria attach to the mucosal wall of
the bladder making removal difficult; and
3. Infection causing bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant
to antibiotics.
With respect to the first reason, there is little we can do to
increase the level of antibiotics in the urinary tract. The
third reason points out the growing concern that comes with the use
of antibiotics. Pathogenic bacteria are becoming resistant. Recent
data indicates that 20% of the patients admitted to a New York
hospital are resistant to standard antibiotic therapy. The problem
is even greater in the rest of the world, especially in third world
countries.
It is the second
reason, however, that offers the potential means to maintain and
support urinary
tract health. It stands
to reason that, if the bacteria cannot attach to the mucosal wall
of the bladder, they will pass from the body in the urine and
bladder health will be maintained. We know that the most common bacteria involved
in urinary tract infections is E. coli. We also know that E. coli
is mannose sensitive..
How does this relate to maintaining urinary tract health? E. coli
tend to bind to the epithelial tissues on the interior surface of
the bladder. This ability of E. coli to bind to bladder tissue provides
a home for subsequent growth and infection. Published science
suggests that, in the presence of Mannose,
E. coli exhibits a greater affinity for the Mannose than the epithelial
surface of the bladder. The net result is that the E. coli either
rapidly detaches from the bladder wall and attaches to the Mannose
or attaches to the Mannose before it can attach to the bladder.
The freely floating E. coli (attached to the Mannose) is now readily
eliminated on urination.
If the preceding is true, why hasn't Mannose been used routinely
for maintaining urinary tract health? Apparently, the reason for
this can be found in a single paper published on the use of Mannose
in one patient. The authors of this case study erroneously reported
that Mannose was not orally absorbed.
It was not until 1997 that Dr. Hudson Freeze published a clarifying
paper showing that Mannose is orally absorbed in both normal individuals
and patients with Carbohydrate Deficient Glycoprotein Syndrome.
His work showed that supplementation with Mannose increases blood
levels in a dose dependent manner. Peak blood levels are observed
after 1-2 hours with a clearance halftime of 4 hours. Clearance
speed is critical to how quickly Mannose will reach the bladder.
No side effects were observed. Dr. Hudson concludes, "These
results establish the feasibility of using Mannose as a potential
therapeutic dietary supplement."
What is Mannose/D-Mannose? It is a carbohydrate sugar with a molecular
weight of 180.16. Its low molecular weight and water solubility
are keys to its rapid absorption and excretion. Mannose is naturally
produced in the body.
Supporting Evidence for the use of Mannose as a supplement to maintain
and support urinary tract health follows:
A. Adherence of E. coli was inhibited by Mannose
(1. Med Microbiol 1982
Aug 15 (3):303-16] -
B. A 10 % solution of Mannose injected directly into the bladder
significantly reduced bacteriuria within 1 day - efficacy is dependent
on concentration of Mannose & bacteria [Urol Res 198311(2):97-102])
C. Irrigation of the bladder with 6% Mannose inhibited bacterial
adherence: " As 6% Mannose effectively inhibited type 1 pili
and also had some antibacterial activity, it may reduce urinary
tract infection if used as irrigation solution." [Urol Res
1993 21 (6):401-5 U. of Basel Switzerland- Urology Clinics, Gasser
T.C.]
D. P-fimbriated E. coli is the most prevalent microorganism in
acute un. ... P-fimbriated E. coli is Mannose sensitive (readily
attaches to Mannose). [J. Chemo- therapy 1999 Oct; (5):357-62]
E. Mannose inhibition of the adherence of E. coli is dose dependent.
...With the maximal inhibitory dose, adherence was reduced by
approximately 80%. (Invest. Urol. 1981 Mar: 18(5):364-70F]
F. Mannose inhibits E. coli adherence to urinary bladder epithelium.
[Urol. Res. 1985 13(2):79-8 ]
G. Mannose for Bladder and Kidney infections -Jonathan Wright
M.D., Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients, 1999 July p.96-98
Summary: Mannose, taken as directed, can
potentially help maintain and support a healthy urinary tract. Mannose is
orally absorbed and can be given as a drink, capsule or tablet.
Specifications: Click here to
view the
D-Mannose Specification
Dosage: For maximum effect, take 1.5-2.5
grams (one level teaspoon
of WRI D-Mannose is approximately 2 grams) every 3-4 hours during
waking hours for 48 hours. Repeat as necessary.
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