Mannose

Mannose appears to be the foundation of all essential sugars. It is formed from glucose in the body and used in the formation of short chain sugars naturally attached to certain proteins. It is involved in so many fundamental cell actions that any deficiency of this one saccharide is said to lead to a host of physical problems. Like xylose and xylitol, mannose has its own sugar alcohol form known as mannitol.

Called D-mannose, this form is now sold as a remedy for UTIs (urinary tract infections). Studies suggest that D-mannose is ten times more effective than cranberries in dislodging E. coli bacteria from the bladder wall, improving more than 90% of UTIs in 24-48 hours. However, unlike antibiotics, D-mannose does not kill any bacteria but simply displaces them, thereby, discouraging them from attaching to the wall of the bladder. In addition, because the body metabolizes only small amounts of D-mannose and excretes the rest in the urine, it does not interfere with blood-sugar regulation, even in diabetics.

Mannose is absorbed 8 times more slowly than glucose; and, when ingested, it is not converted to glycogen or stored in the liver, but rather Mannose goes directly to the blood stream from the upper gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, Mannose easily crosses the placenta allowing it to assist in fetal formation. Amniotic fluid has been shown to contain Mannose in amounts comparable to concentrations in the blood. Within an hour after ingestion, Mannose is widely distributed throughout body tissues and fluids. Highest levels are generally found in the liver and intestines.
Main functions of mannose include:

remedy for urinary tract infections
prompts anti-inflammatory activity and tissue regeneration. It has an active role in macrophage stimulation. Macrophage cleans up debris that can cause inflammation in the body
Mannose, Galactose, Fucose, and N-acetylneuraminic acid are all involved in reversing Failure to Thrive (FFT) syndromes. FFT and cachexia (general ill health and malnutrition) are also seen in adults with AIDS and cancer.
Mannose is found in all cell membranes, thereby affecting every organ and system of the body. It is also another essential sugar that can be found in the photoreceptor layer of the retina, thus playing an important role in vision. It also has been shown that supplementation of Mannose can be used in conjunction with other therapies for the management of diabetic cataracts
plays an important role in nerve physiology.
capable of activating insulin-like growth factor receptors, implying it can be beneficial for diabetics.
crucial for joint protection, especially in cases of rheumatoid arthritis.
proven to reduce tumor growth and increase survival rates of cancerous animals. It appears that the sugar stimulates macrophages which secret interferons. These, in turn, activate natural killer cells involved in the elimination of cancer cells
acts as an antibacterial agent
has antiviral, antiparasitic, and antifungal properties

There have not been any adverse reactions to high doses of Mannose either orally or from injection. Based on animal studies, the highest dose for humans could be around 23 grams for a healthy 150-pound adult. However, that much is hardly necessary. In humans, no adverse effects have been noted when oral doses of approximately 15 grams were administerd. Even at oral doses as extreme as 53 grams per day given over an 11-month period showed no adverse side effects. However, when excessively large amounts (35 grams per hour) of Mannose was injected intravenously continuously for 10 hours, human subjects did experience fatigue, anorexia, malaise, and massive uric acid crystalluria. No matter how small or large the dosage, it should be divided in at least two portions so as to maintain a functional level in the blood.

It is not difficult to obtain plenty of Mannose in the diet. It is one of the few essential sugars that is easy to obtain. One of the main sources is Aloe vera gel, which contains acemannan, a Mannose polysaccharide. Another good source is ground Fenugreek as it contains a high amount of galactomannan (as does Carob gum and Guar gum), a polysaccharide of Mannose and Galactose.

Other sources include Black or Red Currants, Gooseberries, Green Beans, Capsicum (cayenne pepper), Cabbage, Eggplant, Tomatoes, Turnips, Shiitake Mushrooms, and Kelp

The above information is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace competent health care advice received from a knowledgeable healthcare professional. You are urged to seek healthcare advice for the treatment of any illness or disease.
Health Canada and the FDA (USA) have not evaluated these statements. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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View other essential sugars -
Glucose : Galactose : Xylose : Fucose :
N-Acetylglucosamine : N-Acetylgalactosamine :
N-Acetlyneuraminic Acid

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