Dr. Alexandra LaStella, Pharm.D is a Doctor of Pharmacy graduated from St. John’s University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Queens, New York. Doctors of pharmacy are healthcare providers who have mastered advanced experiential and clinical education regarding the safe and effective use of drugs. Pharmacists are highly trusted medication experts, equipped with the tools and the knowledge needed to assess the safety of drugs, supplements, and natural products in all patient populations.

Methods of product evaluation:

Each ingredient in all Uqora products (Defend, Promote, and Flush) was analyzed via the Natural Medicines Pregnancy & Lactation Checker. When further information was warranted, scientific journals and research databases, such as PubMed, were used to clarify any uncertain information.

This review relies heavily on the use of the Natural Medicines database for healthcare professionals. Natural Medicines is the most authoritative resource available on dietary supplements, natural medicines, and complementary alternative and integrative therapies designed for use by healthcare professionals in the United States. All resources utilized are listed at the end of the article.

It is always recommended to consult with your physician before use if you are pregnant, nursing or taking medication.

All ingredients in Uqora Flush have been studied in pregnant and breastfeeding women in the United States, and have been determined to likely be safe, with the exception of D-Mannose. D-Mannose is a common sugar found in many foods, including apples and peaches. Although D-Mannose has been used in pregnant and breastfeeding women in the UK and Canada, there have been no reliable studies carried out in the United States to determine whether or not excess levels of D-Mannose in the blood can be harmful to an unborn fetus.

Uqora Flush contains 2 grams (2,000 mg) of D-mannose. Although D-Mannose is present in human blood in small amounts, the safety of increased dietary consumption of D-Mannose in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established.

Due to the amount of D-Mannose included in Uqora Flush, D-Mannose is likely to have an insignificant impact on blood sugar. For otherwise healthy patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, we recommend discussing the risks and benefits with your doctor before using Uqora Flush.

All ingredients in Uqora Promote have been studied in pregnant and breastfeeding women in the United States, and have been determined to likely be safe. This product has a very high level of reliable clinical evidence showing its safe use when used appropriately. Products rated “Likely Safe” are generally considered appropriate to recommend.

Uqora Promote is a daily probiotic containing three strains of vaginal lactobacilli (L. Rhamnosus, L. Reuteri, and L. Acidophilus.) Studies have shown that these probiotics promote the restoration of healthy vaginal lactobacilli. Additionally, these probiotics lower vaginal pH. Restoring the vaginal microbiome with daily vaginal probiotics is clinically proven to correlate with better urinary health. There are no known risks associated with use of probiotics in pregnancy and breastfeeding; however, it is always recommended to consult with your physician prior to use.

All ingredients in Defend have been studied in pregnant and breastfeeding women in the United States, and have been determined to likely be safe, with the exception of D-Mannose. D-Mannose is a common sugar found in many foods. Although D-Mannose has been used in pregnant and breastfeeding women in the UK and Canada, there have been no reliable studies carried out in the United States to determine whether or not excess levels of D-Mannose in the blood can be harmful to an unborn fetus.

Uqora Defend contains 0.6g (600 mg) of D-Mannose. Although D-Mannose is present in human blood in small amounts, the safety of increased dietary consumption of D-Mannose in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established.

Uqora Defend contains 1500 IU of Vitamin D3. Vitamin D is safe when used in doses below the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 4000 IU (100 mcg) per day for both pregnancy and lactation populations.

For otherwise healthy patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, we recommend discussing the risks and benefits with your doctor before using Uqora Defend.

It is unlikely that the amount of D-Mannose in Uqora products is substantial enough to cause clinically significant changes in blood sugar. 

Regardless, the risk vs. benefit of our products should be considered prior to use in diabetic patients, pre-diabetic patients, or those at risk for developing gestational diabetes. The following is a brief description of the way D-Mannose is metabolized in the body, and how it may or may not contribute to elevated blood sugar:

D-Mannose occurs naturally in plants and animals. It is found in small amounts in fruits such as oranges, apples and peaches, as well as in human blood plasma. D-Mannose is absorbed through the intestines, transported to and metabolized within our cells, and finally excreted in urine.

Studies on the metabolism of Mannose have shown that a Mannose bolus dose of <0.2g/Kg body weight increases blood-mannose concentration 3-fold, without affecting blood glucose concentration. For reference, this is a much higher dose than any patient would receive when taking Uqora products. Currently, there are no reports of adverse effects of D-Mannose in humans. This study suggests that dietary ingestion of reasonable doses of D-Mannose (including the amount in Uqora products) would not alter blood sugar in a clinically significant manner.

However, conflicting studies on pregnant women with pre-existing diabetes showed elevated mannose levels in their blood and amniotic fluids, which correlated with high blood glucose concentrations. This particular study suggests that Mannose levels may affect glucose levels in susceptible patients (ex: pregnant women with pre-existing diabetes). Due to these conflicting results, it is still recommended that patients with any concerns for their blood sugar speak to their physician before using Uqora products.

Uqora Defend contains 1500 IU of Vitamin D3. Vitamin D is safe when used in doses below the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 4000 IU (100 mcg) per day for diabetic populations.

Uqora products appear to be safe and effective for pregnant and breastfeeding women who are otherwise healthy.  

However, due to the presence of D-Mannose in Uqora Flush and Uqora Defend, it is recommended to discuss the risks and benefits of using these products during pregnancy or breastfeeding with your doctor prior to use.

All ingredients in Uqora Promote are known to be safe and effective in pregnancy and breastfeeding; there is sufficient clinical information available to determine that Uqora Promote is safe for use; however it is always recommend to consult with your physician.

If you are unsure about the safety of any Uqora products, or want more information about the use of our products in pregnancy or breastfeeding, we encourage you to consult with your OB/GYN or Healthcare Provider.

1. D-Mannose. In: Natural Medicines [database on the Internet]. Somerville (MA): Therapeutic Research Center; 2021 [cited 2021 May 10]. Available from: https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Subscription required to view.
2. Hu X, Shi Y, Zhang P, Miao M, Zhang T, Jiang B. d-Mannose: Properties, Production, and Applications: An Overview. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf. 2016;15(4):773-785. doi: 10.1111/1541-4337.12211
3. Maricopa Medical Center North Shore LIJ Health System Habak PJ(1), Griggs, Jr RP(2). In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021-. 2020 Nov 21. Urinary Tract Infection In Pregnancy.
4. NaturalMedicines Pregnancy & Lactation Checker. In: Natural Medicines [database on the Internet]. Somerville (MA): Therapeutic Research Center; 202. Available from: https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Subscription required to view.
5. Sharma V, Ichikawa M, Freeze HH. Mannose metabolism: more than meets the eye. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2014;453(2):220-228. doi:10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.06.021
6. NaturalMedicines Database: Vitamin D. https://naturalmedicines-therapeuticresearch-com.jerome.stjohns.edu/#V  Subscription required to view.
7. Angellotti E, D'Alessio D, Dawson-Hughes B, et al. Vitamin D Supplementation in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: The Vitamin D for Established Type 2 Diabetes (DDM2) Study. J Endocr Soc. 2018;2(4):310-321. Published 2018 Feb 26. doi:10.1210/js.2018-00015