Mannose plays a crucial role in cellular interactions and is considered to be the foundation to many of the other saccharides essential for cell-cell communication. It is absorbed at a much slower rate than glucose, and goes to the bloodstream directly from the upper gastrointestinal tract. A mannose deficiency can lead to inflammation and disease.  Mannose is vital for proper immune defense against microbial invaders. Mannose is antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic by nature.
Mannose contributes to tissue regeneration, inhibits tumor growth and has shown benefits in preventing and reversing urinary tract infections and stomach ulcers.