Glyconutrients: A Class Of Their Own

Contrary to popular belief, not all sugars are metabolized in the body as energy. Some of them, like glyconutrients, perform an entirely different spectrum of functions that are necessary to keep the body working at its peak performance.

The term "glyconutrient" comes from the root word "glyco" which means "sweet" in Greek. These nutrients are basically simple carbohydrates or monosaccharides that first received limelight when Harpers Biochemistry formally catapulted it to the public and medical community.

Of the 200 known simple carbohydrates (also called monosaccharides or simple sugars), only eight were identified essential to bodily functions. These are fuctose, which should not be confused with fructose, a type of sugar found in fruits, xylose, mannose, galactose, N-acetylgalactosamin, N-acetylneuraminic acid, N-acetylglucosamine and glucose (or table sugar). These glyconutrients directly bond with cells in the body in a process called glycosylate which serves a variety of remarkable body functions ranging from cell to cell communication to cellular protection and control of individual cell structures.

In one way or another, each cell in the human body relies on these molecules to exhibit proper functions. Immune system cells depend on these sugars to keep invading bacteria, fungi, and virus from harming healthy cells in the body. Cells that are affected by osteoarthritis rely on these simple sugars for protection from further deterioration caused by the condition. The entire body relies on glucose for energy to sustain all body functions.

According to medical studies, the absence of any of these molecules could inhibit important bodily functions such as recuperation, protection against infections and diseases, and other immune system reactions. But because these nutrients are not always present in our daily diets, nearly all people are at risk of deficiency – a problem that can possibly end up to a host of serious consequences. As of the moment, only two of these essential sugars are available in our diets – glucose (or table sugar) and galactose (a type of sugar that is found in human breast milk). The rest are either found in negligible quantities or are virtually absent. The reasons for this deficiency in supply range from the inhibited development of nutrients in the green harvest due to forced ripening to too much use of preservatives, depletion of nutrients in the soil, increased environmental toxins, and processing of foods.

The problem is, there is no way that other nutrients, even if they combine, can compensate the effects these monosaccharides have on the body. There is, therefore, a need to supplement the body with these nutrients through nutritional supplements and natural sources.

Glyconutrients are not diet options, however. They are required supplements that must be taken on a daily basis. This is because all the cells in the body have different life spans, one cell may last for only a few days while others can live for years. As new cells replace the dead ones, each of these new cells requires glyconutrients not only to form bonds with other cells but also to sustain the functions that the cells they succeeded performed.

Glyconutrients are a class of their own. They are not vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, or minerals. They are the miracle sugars that can do what no other natural substance can do – promote and sustain health from the cellular level by nourishing individual cells to operate more efficiently.