D-mannose is sold as both as a powder or as capsules. Which type you use, is up to you and personal preference. Suppliers include
Sweet Cures – Waterfall D-mannose
However it is important to understand the differences between D-mannose formulations, particularly for those with allergy issues.
Manufacturers can use various raw sources for the production of D-mannose or D-mannose can be synthetically produced. Manufacturers refer to this as pure or synthetic production. Natural sources can be from birch trees, palm kernels, potato, corn or fruits such as cranberries and pineapples. Synthetic sources such d-fructose or d-glucose or pure starch through bio-conversions are inexpensive starting materials and widely available.
For those with corn allergies, always check with the manufacturer as to the source of their D-mannose before purchasing and the environment in which the product has been packaged. If you have a known corn allergy or suffer a reaction after using D-Mannose, consider an alternate that is made from pineapples or cranberries or derived from birch/beech wood hydrolysate.
The production of D-mannose can also introduce additives, in particular if taken in capsule form. Silica, magnesium stearate, rice flour, artificial sweeteners and heavy metals can all be included as bulking agents or form the body of an individual tablet. This ensures cheaper mass production. Do your research first especially if you have allergy issues or are following a preferred regime of avoidance such as soy, gluten or GM products.
Sadly sometimes price does reflect quality of manufacture and purity of product so buyer beware.
When researching a brand look at the amount of pure D-mannose in each pot or tablet. The higher the better. A teaspoon of powder should offer around 2000 mg of D-Mannose and a tablet around 500mg. And remember Cranberry products are not the same as D-Mannose. Cranberry extract and juice has been shown not to be effective against recurrent and chronic UTI.