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Glyconutrients are plant carbohydrates that are responsible for proper cell communication and function. There are well over 200 carbohydrates (sugars), but only eight are essential to the human body. These eight essential glyconutrients include: fucose, galactose, glucose, mannose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, N-acetylneuraminic acid, and xylose.

In the 1980's, the discovery of the eight essential glyconutrients came about when a research pharmacologist began investigations to verify the active ingredient in aloe vera. Several years later he discovered the active ingredient was a carbohydrate with many mannose sugar molecules linked together. The research findings started to emerge in scientific journals such as Glycobiology Journal and Journal of Biotechnology. In 1990 the Journal of Biotechnology states: 'Almost without exception, whenever two or more living cells interact in a specific way, cell surface carbohydrates will be involved'.

In 1999, the Nobel Prize for Medicine was awarded to Gunter Blobel for his research in glyconutrients. Glyconutrients are considered to be the most important health related discovery in the past 100 years. Science and medicine have long tried to comprehend the language by which the cells in the body communicate with one another in order for its complex functions to take place. For example, how does your digestive system know which food elements to absorb into the blood stream and which to disregard? Or which cells to attack and destroy and which to protect and nurture? That code has now been broken by glyconutrients (www.glyconutrientsreference.com).

In our diet today, the eight essential glyconutrients are often missing. Most diets today contain only two of the eight essential glyconutrients, glucose and galactose. If we are deficient in the eight essential sugars, the cells will ultimately lack the communication structure required to preserve superior health. Why are our diets deficient in glyconutrients? The fresh fruits and vegetables we purchase these days have hardly any glyconutrients (or nutritional value at all) because they are often grown in nutrient-deficient soil, picked before they ripen naturally, gassed, irradiated, artificially ripened, stored for days, weeks, or months, cooked, frozen, canned, processed, refined, pasteurized, genetically engineered, etc. In addition, cooking and processing depletes glyconutrients even more. Specialists have concluded that these essential sugars work to keep our hormones in balance, fight off disease, enable blood to clot, give cells their structural support, and of course, create a system in which cells communicate (Elkins).

The first glyconutrients that will be discussed is fucose. Fucose plays a significant role in brain development, specifically; it's ability to create long-term memories. Fucose is an immune modulator, which inhibits tumor growth and metastasis. Studies propose that fucose is active against herpes viruses and guards against respiratory tract infections and allergic reactions (including inflammatory diseases). High concentrations of fucose can be found at the intersection among nerves, in the kidney and testes, and in the outer layer of the skin. This suggests that fucose may have a direct link with synaptic transmissions, kidney function, reproduction, and skin hydration. There is evidence pointing to abnormal (low) fucose levels in those who suffer from amnesia, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and cancer.

A healthy 150-pound adult may consume as much as 34 grams of fucose per day (orally). Maximum blood levels are expected about one hour after ingestion and would be eliminated from the body between eight and twelve hours later. It is recommended that twice daily doses of any amount be consumed to maintain sufficient blood levels. Even when large amounts of fucose were consumed, no side effects were evident. Only when animals ingested a diet made up of 20% fucose did nerve conduction reduce. However, there where no other abnormal functions of the liver, kidney, or pancreas.

Galactose is a simple sugar that is more common than glucose. It is associated with wound healing, calcium absorption, reduction in tumor growth (especially in the liver), and slows down inflammation. People with arthritis, lupus, colon cancer, multiple sclerosis, and autoimmune diseases usually have lower levels of galactose. This indicates that consumption of galactose may help reverse these diseases. Galactose is also important in maintaining normal bacterial flora in the intestines (increase number of Bifidobacteria) (Mondoa).

There are no side effects in consuming large quantities of galactose. Some recommend as much as 50 grams of galactose per day in a healthy 150-pound adult. On the other hand, much less is suitable since most is eliminated within eight hours of consumption. For all glyconutrients, dosing should occur twice daily to maintain optimal levels (www.glyconutrientsreference.com).

Dietary sources of galactose include dairy products, fruit (e.g. mango, plums, rhubarb, oranges), herbs (e.g. echinacea, boswellia), and vegetables (e.g. brussels sprouts, cabbage, leeks, green beans, onions, carrots).

Glucose is the most recognizable glyconutrient. Glucose is commonly mistaken for `table sugar,' which is sucrose (one glucose molecule and one fructose molecule). Glucose helps brain function, calcium absorption, cellular communication, and offers a fast source of energy. Poor glucose metabolism has been linked with mental disorders, anorexia, bulimia, depression, manic-depression, and Alzheimer's Disease.

Americans consume up to four times the daily recommended limit of glucose. A daily intake of up to 75 grams is said to be beneficial for bodily function. Too much glucose can suppress the immune system, leading to chronic diseases such as type II diabetes and obesity (Mondoa).

Mannose seems to be the basis of all the essential sugars. Mannose is absorbed eight times more slowly than glucose and goes directly into the bloodstream. Mannose can naturally lower blood sugar levels and plays a profound role as a remedy for urinary tract infections (UTIs). Reports show that about 80% of painful bladder syndromes become symptom free when a mannose supplement is included in the diet. Furthermore, mannose has a natural anti-inflammatory effect (inflammation flare-ups in rheumatoid arthritis were prevented in lab animals who received doses of mannose). In addition, mannose is a factor in tissue regeneration, prevention of tumor growth, and holds antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, and antifungal properties. Lastly, there is a direct correlation between lupus and mannose deficiency (Elkins).

It is safe to consume around 23 grams of mannose daily (for a 150-pound adult). No adverse side effects have been discovered in high doses of mannose. As stated previously, doses should be divided up twice daily to ensure a functional blood level.

Sources of mannose include: aloe vera gel, black or red currants, gooseberries, green beans, cayenne pepper, cabbage, eggplant, tomatoes, turnips, shiitake mushrooms, and kelp (www.glyconutrientsreference.com).

N-acetylgalactosamine is the least known of the eight essential sugars. Research on this glyconutrient is limited, however, researchers did discover that it prevents the growth of some tumors, and plays a key role in cell communication. In addition, colon cancer patients report having one half the normal amount of N-acetylgalactosamine, thus indicating a role in prevention. This sugar also is linked to joint function, immune support, nerve function, and slowed age-deterioration.

N-acetylglucosamine is praised mostly for its role in cartilage regeneration and joint inflammation. The chemistry of this sugar brings about the fabrication of cartilage, which improves joint mobility and discomfort, and speeds recovery in joint injuries. It also holds antitumor and antiviral characteristics, and plays a vital role in learning processes. Deficiencies and malfunctions in absorption of this sugar have been associated with diseases related to the bowel.

There are no known side effects or safety issues with N-acetylglucosamine. Although it may delay insulin uptake, therefore, diabetics should be cautious. One gram in a 150-pound adult is a safe daily maximum dose (in divided amounts)(www.glyconutrientsreference.com).

N-acetylneuraminic Acid is predominantly important for brain development and learning. It is also an immune moderator, which repels bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. It also helps to lower LDL cholesterol and aids in blood coagulation. Abnormalities in metabolism of this sugar are found in infants who do not grow, regress in development, and have enlarged livers and/or spleens (www.glyconutrientsreference.com). Finally, it plays a role in rheumatoid arthritis, verifying that it supports the immune system.

The last essential glyconutrient is xylose. Xylose has antibacterial and antifungal properties, and may also aid in the prevention of digestive tract cancers. Xylose encourages the growth of `friendly flora' in the intestines, leading to increased absorption of all nutrients. Patients with intestinal disorders tend to have a poor absorption rate of xylose (Mondoa).

Scientific studies suggest that 35 grams of xylose can be safely consumed daily (for a 150-pound adult). No minimum amount has been determined, however, keep in mind that xylose is easily eliminated from the bloodstream. As mentioned before, doses should be taken twice daily, starting with smaller amounts and increasing to what is tolerable.

Science and medicine are continuing to confirm the potent effects that glyconutrients have on the human body. Within the past six years, glyconutrient studies have been published in numerous professional journals and textbooks. These include: Harper's Biochemistry, Science Magazine, Scientific American, MD News, Advance for Managers of Respiratory Care. Academic institutions that have further advanced the study of glyconutrients include: Oxford University, Johns Hopkins University, and Rockefeller University.

Adding aloe vera gel to the diet is believed to provide all, or nearly all, of the eight essential glyconutrients. The gel should not be confused with other forms of aloe (juice, capsules). The most secure way to ensure quality is to look for bottles that say “100% Gel.”

In conclusion, the eight essential glyconutrients serve as a basis for vital cell communication and function. They play fundamental roles in supporting the immune, brain and nervous systems, regulating hormones, as well as retaining bone density and muscle mass. There is so much potential in these essential sugars that it seems inconceivable. Hopefully this is only the tip of the iceberg, and the future of glyconutrients holds promise for chronic diseases and a prolonged healthy life.