Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• Dietary saccharide, fucose, galactose, glucose, Glycentials®, glycobiology, glycoconjugates, glycoform, glyconutritional, glycoprotein, High Purity D-Ribose™, mannose, N-acetylgalactosamine, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylneuraminic acid, saccharide, sialic acid, sugars, sugars that heal, xylose, Xylotene™.
• Note: This review does discuss clinical studies of individual glyconutrients in detail.

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• In humans, eight monosaccharides (carbohydrates: glucose, galactose, mannose, fucose, xylose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, and N-acetylneuraminic acid) are required for the synthesis of glycoproteins, and it is claimed that only two of these sugars, glucose and galactose, are readily found in a normal diet. Dietary supplements that supply sources of all of these sugars are known as glyconutrients.
• Supplementation with glyconutrients is believed to be critical to cellular communication and, therefore, rarely disease specific. Theoretically, glyconutrients may be effective treatments for certain diseases caused by inborn errors of metabolism (1;​2), as well as hexose malabsorption disorders, both congenital and bowel disease related (3).
• Glyconutrient research (glycobiology) and sales have escalated with a multilevel marketing (MLM) company and leading manufacturer of glyconutrient supplements. In 2007, the Texas attorney general prosecuted the manufacturer, citing the company exaggerated claims about the potential therapeutic benefits of its products.
• Case studies and animal studies have studied glyconutrients' effects on conditions including cognition (4;​4;​5) and cancer prevention. Clinical studies of glyconutrients' effects on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (6), failure to thrive (i.e., delay or arrest in development, typically determine when weight or rate of weight gain is below normal) (7), immune function (53), myasthenia gravis (8), and well-being (54) have been conducted as well. Further randomized controlled trials investigating the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of glyconutrient therapy are needed before firm conclusions may be drawn.

Dosing/Toxicology

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Precautions/Contraindications

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Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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Mechanism of Action

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History

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Evidence Table

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Evidence Discussion

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Products Studied

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Author Information

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References

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.

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