Comparison of D-Mannose in Foods With Urine pH in Postmenopausal Women With Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether d-mannose supplementation and/or acidic pH in the bladder may prevent recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTIs) in women, and to investigated whether postmenopausal (PM) women with a history of RUTI and known urinary pH levels had different dietary regimens with regard to d-mannose intake.

METHODS

Following IRB approval, women used urinalysis reagent strips to record their urine pH four times per day and concurrently completed a 3-day food diary. Two groups were identified based on urine pH: predominantly below pH 6, and predominantly above pH 6. Nutrient content of reported foods and supplements was analyzed and compared among the two urine pH groups.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven women, ages 64-75 years were recruited. No significant differences were found in the amount of d-mannose or other nutrients consumed between the two urine pH groups. D-Mannose-containing foods contained significantly more protein, carbohydrates, fat, calcium, iron, and water than non-d-mannose-containing foods (all P <.01). Slight variations in consumptions of fiber, sugar, and sodium were found between groups. The amount of d-mannose foods consumed by weight was typically lower than found in recommended supplemental doses, but was occasionally present in the diet at levels similar to the supplemental dose.

CONCLUSION

In this limited single-institution pilot study, we report no substantial differences in dietary d-mannose levels consumed among PM women with a history of RUTI, regardless of their urinary pH level.