Reeta Ala-Jaakkola

Dr. Reeta Ala-Jaakkola


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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22 March 2022 in Nutrition Journal
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
RAReeta Ala-Jaakkola
Reeta Ala-Jaakkola
ALArja Laitila
Arja Laitila
AOArthur Ouwehand
Arthur Ouwehand
LLLiisa Lehtoranta
Liisa Lehtoranta
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most prevalent bacterial diseases worldwide. Despite the efficacy of antibiotics targeted against UTI, the recurrence rates remain significant among the patients. Furthermore, the development of antibiotic resistance is a major concern and creates a demand for alternative treatment options. D-mannose, a monosaccharide naturally found in fruits, is commonly marketed as a dietary supplement for reducing the risk for UTIs. Research suggests that supplemented D-mannose could be a promising alternative or complementary remedy especially as a prophylaxis for recurrent UTIs. When excreted in urine, D-mannose potentially inhibits Escherichia coli, the main causative organism of UTIs, from attaching to urothelium and causing infection. In this review, we provide an overview of UTIs, E. coli pathogenesis and D-mannose and outline the existing clinical evidence of D-mannose in reducing the risk of UTI and its recurrence. Furthermore, we discuss the potential effect mechanisms of D-mannose against uropathogenic E.coli.