Glyconutrients

Glyconutrients are a special group of carbohydrates that play a crucial role in our body’s health and function. The term is made up of “glyco” (for sugar) and “nutrients”, which indicates that they are certain types of sugar that are essential for life.

What are glyconutrients?

Glyconutrients are essential sugars (monosaccharides) that our bodies need to carry out a variety of biological functions. These sugar molecules are not the usual sugars found in the household, but special types that play a central role in cell communication and immune function. There are eight of these essential sugars in total:

1. Glucose
2. Galactose
3. Mannose
4. Fucose
5. N-acetylglucosamine
6. N-acetylgalactosamine
7. N-acetylneuraminic acid (sialic acid)
8. Xylose

These sugar molecules are used by cells to form glycoproteins and glycolipids – compounds that sit on the outside of cell membranes and allow cells to communicate with each other.

What are glyconutrients important for?

Glyconutrients play a key role in cell communication. By forming glycoproteins and glycolipids, they help cells to recognise and interact with each other. This communication is crucial for the functioning of the immune system, tissue repair and overall body homeostasis (the balance of bodily functions).

Some important functions of glyconutrients include

• Immune system: glyconutrients support the immune system by helping cells recognise and fight off invaders such as bacteria and viruses.
• Anti-inflammatory: They can regulate inflammatory responses in the body, which can be helpful in preventing chronic inflammation.
• Cell growth and repair: Glyconutrients contribute to the healing and regeneration of tissues by promoting communication between cells.
• Brain function: These sugars are also active in the brain, where they are involved in signalling between nerve cells.

Sources of glyconutrients

Glyconutrients can be obtained from various natural food sources, including

• Fruits and vegetables: Various fruits and vegetables, especially seaweed, mushrooms and garlic, are rich in glyconutrients.
• Nuts and seeds: Some nuts and seeds contain these important sugars, especially almonds and sesame seeds.
• Plant extracts: Some supplements contain concentrated forms of glyconutrients derived from plant extracts.

Health benefits

Studies have shown that glyconutrients can provide a variety of health benefits. These include supporting the immune system, potentially promoting tissue healing, potentially improving brain function and possibly even protecting against certain chronic diseases. People who supplement their diet with glyconutrients often report better overall health and a stronger immune system.

Conclusion

Glyconutrients are essential building blocks for our body’s health and function. They enable effective cell communication, support the immune system and contribute to tissue repair. By supplementing our diet with these specialised sugars, we can improve our wellbeing and potentially reduce the risk of certain diseases. However, as with all supplements, it is important to maintain a balanced diet and seek advice from a health professional if necessary.