Urinary Tract & Bladder

Urinary tract and bladder: D-mannose, cranberry and herbal formulas

D-mannose and cranberry are the best-known substances in this collection. D-mannose is a simple sugar, while cranberry extract is obtained from the American cranberry. There are also herbal formulas that combine several plants. No health claims have been approved for any of these substances in the EU, so we do not mention any effects and describe the products factually.

In our range you will find D-mannose from LUTO Supplements, Vit4ever and Swanson, cranberry extract from Vit4ever and NOW Foods, Uva Ursi with cranberry and corn silk, and Chanca Piedra from Swanson, Cystone from Himalaya, and Water Out Complex and Kidney Essentials from German Elite Nutrition.

What is D-mannose?

D-mannose is a simple sugar (monosaccharide) that is chemically related to glucose. It occurs naturally in small amounts in cranberries, apples, peaches, oranges, and other foods. For supplements, D-mannose is usually obtained from plant sources such as birch or beech wood or corn. In powder form, it has a slightly sweet taste and dissolves easily in water. Because D-mannose is a sugar, it counts toward your total sugar intake.

D-mannose as powder, capsules or tablets

D-mannose powder from LUTO Supplements and Vit4ever comes in 250-gram jars with a measuring scoop. Powder makes it easy to dose the amount yourself and is suitable for those who prefer not to take capsules. Capsules and tablets are more convenient on the go: in this collection you will find D-mannose capsules of 1500 mg (Vit4ever) and 700 mg (Swanson) and tablets of 1000 mg (LUTO Supplements). There is also a powder in which D-mannose is combined with cranberry.

Cranberry extract

Cranberry extract comes from the American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon). Cranberries naturally contain proanthocyanidins, abbreviated PAC, a group of plant compounds. Extracts are often standardized to a fixed percentage of PAC, such as 6 percent in the cranberry extract from Vit4ever. NOW Foods combines cranberry with vitamin C. When comparing, look at the amount of extract per capsule and the PAC content, as these vary greatly by product.

Herbal formulas

Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is a small shrub whose leaves are used; Swanson combines it with cranberry and corn silk, the threads from the corn cob. Chanca piedra (Phyllanthus niruri) is a plant from tropical regions in South America and Asia. Cystone from Himalaya is an Ayurvedic herbal formula in tablet form. Water Out Complex and Kidney Essentials from German Elite Nutrition combine several plant extracts. There are (yet) no approved health claims for these herbs in the EU.

Drinking and daily habits

Drinking enough is part of a healthy lifestyle. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises adults to drink approximately 1.5 to 2 liters of fluids per day, preferably water, unsweetened tea, or coffee. You need more in hot weather or when exercising a lot. Supplements complement a varied diet and a healthy lifestyle; they are not a substitute for them.

What to look for when choosing?

Compare the amount of active substance per serving, the number of servings per package, and the form that suits you. For cranberry, look at the PAC content, and for herbal formulas, look at the composition and the amount of each herb. Stick to the recommended daily dosage on the packaging. Bearberry is not intended for long-term use and is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding or for children. If you take medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist first.

When to see your GP?

Supplements are not a substitute for medical advice. If you have urinary tract or bladder complaints, or if symptoms persist, contact your GP. If you are pregnant, take medication, or have a medical condition, always discuss the use of a supplement with your doctor or pharmacist first.