Glyconutrients

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Category

Herbs & Supplements

Synonyms

Ambrotose®, Ambrotose® complex, dietary saccharide, fucose, galactose, glucose, Glycentials®, glycoconjugates, glycobiology, glycoform, glyconutritional, glycoprotein, Manapol®, mannose, N-acetylgalactosamine, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylneuraminic acid, saccharide, sialic acid, sugars, xylose.

Background

Glyconutrients are dietary supplements that supply sugars such as glucose, galactose, mannose, fucose, xylose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, and N-acetylneuraminic acid. These sugars are thought to be necessary for cells to communicate with each other in the body.

Glyconutrient research (glycobiology) has increased in the last few years. A company called Mannatech is the leading manufacturer of glyconutrient supplements. They market glyconutrients under the product line Ambrotose®.

There is currently a lack of available scientific evidence showing effectiveness for any condition. Advocates of this therapy claim that only glucose and galactose are readily found in a normal diet, and that glyconutrient supplementation is needed to prevent disease states. Critics of glyconutrient therapy argue that the body can synthesize any sugar it requires from protein intake, so unless a person has a genetic mutation, most glyconutrients are not cost-effective.

Evidence

DISCLAIMER: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Glyconutrients may cause a decrease in the number and severity of symptoms in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, more study is needed in this area.
Grade: C

Failure-to-thrive: Glyconutrients may cause an increase in weight and height in toddlers with failure-to-thrive. More study is needed to make a strong recommendation.
Grade: C

Tradition

WARNING: DISCLAIMER: The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
AIDS, alcoholism, allergy, Alzheimer's disease, antibacterial, anxiety, asthma, athletic performance, bladder cancer, bone density, brain wave frequency alteration, burns, cancer, canker sores, cataracts, cerebral palsy, chronic fatigue, cognitive function, colitis, cystic fibrosis, depression, diabetes, Down's syndrome, dyslexia, eczema, fever blisters, fibromyalgia, heart disease, hepatitis, herpes, high cholesterol, hormonal imbalances, immune disorders, infections, infections (streptococcal toxic shock syndrome), infertility, inflammation, inflammation (muscle tissue), insomnia, lupus, Lyme disease, memory, menopause, metabolic disorders, multiple sclerosis, muscle mass, muscular dystrophy (adjuvant), myasthenia gravis, myofasical pain, organ transplantation (heart), osteoporosis (prevention), Parkinson's disease, pemphigus vulgaris, periodontal disease, premenstrual syndrome, psoriasis, rash, retinal protection (from detaching), rheumatoid arthritis, sleep, stomatitis, stress, stroke, Sturge Weber syndrome, Tay-Sachs disease, Tourettes, tumor (eye), wound healing.

Dosing

Adults (over 18 years old)

There is no proven effective medicinal dose for glyconutrients in adults.

Children (under 18 years old)

There is no proven effective medicinal dose for glyconutrients in children.

Safety

DISCLAIMER: Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.

Allergies

Plant-sources containing glyconutrients may cause allergy or adverse effects in some people; it is recommended to be knowledgeable before using herbal extracts or supplements.

Side Effects and Warnings

Glyconutrients are likely safe when derived from food or supplements in recommended doses. However, use cautiously in patients taking iron supplements and in patients with a history of copper deficiency or vitamin B12 deficiency.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Glyconutrients are essential in cellular communication and are important for pregnant and lactating women. However, scientific evidence investigating the therapeutic use of these nutrients is currently lacking.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs

Glyconutrient commercial products that contain Vitamin K may interact with blood thinners and thus should be avoided. Similarly, glyconutrients containing ubidecarenone may diminish the response to warfarin (Coumadin®), and patients should be monitored.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

Glyconutritional supplements may decrease copper levels, increase iron levels or increase folic acid levels in the body. Dosing of supplements may need adjustment when taking glyconutrients.

Glyconutrient commercial products that contain Vitamin K may interact with blood thinners and thus should be avoided.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature, and was peer-reviewed and edited by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com): Julie Conquer, PhD (RGB Consulting); Catherine Ulbricht, PharmD (Massachusetts General Hospital); Wendy Weissner, BA (Natural Standard Research Collaboration).

Bibliography

DISCLAIMER: Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

Axford JS, Mackenzie L, Lydyard PM, et al. Reduced B-cell galactosyltransferase activity in rheumatoid arthritis. Lancet 12-26-1987;2(8574):1486-1488.

Dykman KD, Dykman RA. Effect of nutritional supplements on attentional-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Integr Physiol Behav Sci 1998;33(1):49-60.

Dykman K, Ford CR, Gardiner T. The effect of glyconutritional supplementation on toddlers with failure to thrive. Glycoscience & Nutrition 2000;1(36):1-7.

Flogel M, Lauc G, Gornik I, et al. Fucosylation and galactosylation of IgG heavy chains differ between acute and remission phases of juvenile chronic arthritis. Clin Chem Lab Med. 1998;36(2):99-102.

Genius SJ, Genius SK. Use of nutraceuticals in menopause: case reports. Proc Fisher Inst Med Res 1997;1:32-34.

Routier FH, Hounsell EF, Rudd PM, et al. Quantitation of the oligosaccharides of human serum IgG from patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a critical evaluation of different methods. J Immunol Methods 4-15-1998;213(2):113-130.

Talent JM, Gracy RW. Pilot study of oral polymeric N-acetyl-D-glucosamine as a potential treatment for patients with osteoarthritis. Clin Ther 1996;18(6):1184-1190.

Wang C, Szabo JS, Dykman RA. Effects of a carbohydrate supplement upon resting brain activity. Integr Physiol Behav Sci 2004;39(2):126-138.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.