Archive for October, 2007

Open Question: do glyconutrients heal spinal cord injuries?

Friday, October 12th, 2007
The word glyconutrient derives from the Greek word glukus, which means sweet. So, if you take a glyconutrient dietary supplement that means it is made up mostly of sugar. Specifically, it refers to the particular blend of polysaccharides (complex carbohydrates) and simple sugars or starches that mix with proteins and fats and forms a bridge for the cells to communicate. These eight sugars, or saccharides, are fucose, galactose, glucose, mannose, N-acetylgalacetosamine, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylneuraminic acid, and xylose. If a supplement has all eight sugars, it is a complete formula. For proper inter-cellular communication and cell functionality, all eight sugars must be present on the surface of the cell. These eight sugars are just as important to the body as the eight essential amino acids. The eight sugars have also been called the eight essential eight sugars. These acids and sugars are called essential because they are necessary for our body's health. It's not simply suggested our bodies should take them in; it's mandatory.