Glyconutrients

1. Glyconutrients

2. Glycoprotein • Glycoproteins are proteins that contain oligosaccharide chains (glycans) covalently attached to their polypeptide side-chains. • The process of attaching the glycans is known as glycosalation. • The sugar groups attached to glycoprotein can assist in protein folding or improve a proteins’ stability.

3. Functions of Glycoproteins

4. Functions of Glycoproteins

5. Examples • Mucins – mucins are secreted in the mucus of the respiratory and digestive tracts. The sugars attached to the mucins give them considerable water-holding capacity and make them resistant to proteolysis by digestive enzymes. • Immune System Glycoproteins – antibodies, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) (interacts with T-cells)

6. Examples • Glycoproteins in platelets. • Structural glycoproteins

7. Hormones That Are Glycoproteins • Follicle-stimulating hormone • Luteinizing hormone • Thyroid Stimulating hormone • Human chorionic gonadotropin • Alpha-fetoprotein • Erythropoietin

8. Eight Sugars in Glycoproteins

9. Eight Sugars in Glycoproteins

10. Glucose • Readily available in our diets. • Converted from white sugar, fructose, and starchy foods. • Usually oversupplied in our diets from sugar cane, rice, corn, potatoes, wheat, etc.

11. Galactose • Readily available in our diets. • Obtained from the conversion of lactose (milk sugar).

12. Fucose • NOT readily available in our diets. • Found in breast milk. • Present in several medicinal mushrooms. • Benefits the immune system.

13. Mannose • NOT readily available in our diets. • Involved in cellular interactions. • Studies show it can lower blood sugar levels. • Assists the immune system to defend against microbial pathogens. • Anti-inflammatory effect.

14. Xylose • Not readily available in our diets. • Present in some sugarless gums and candies. • Added to some nasal sprays to discourage the binding of allergens and pathogens to mucuos membranes. • Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. • May help prevent certain cancers.

15. N-acetyl-neuraminic acid • NOT readily available in our diet. • Present in breast milk. • Assists in brain development. • Boosts immune function. • Anti-viral properties.

16. N-acetyl-glucosamine • NOT readily available in our diets. • Beneficial for cartilage regeneration and joint inflammation. • Glucosamine comes from this compound. • Deficiencies have been linked to diseases of the bowel.

17. N-acetyl-galactosamine • NOT readily available in the diet. • May inhibit the growth of some tumors. • Assists in cell to cell communication.

18. Breast Milk • Breast milk contains five of the essential sugars. • Fucose • Galactose • N-acetylneuraminic acid • N-acetylglucosamine • Glucose

19. Aloe Vera • Aloe vera contains mannose , galactose, and arabinose.

20. Arabinogalactan • Saps and gums of trees contain many glyconutrients. • Arabinogalactin can be obtained from the Larix decidua or larch tree. • It is also found in fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, corn, carrots, coconut. • It is in the herb echinacea.

21. Echinacea • Echinacea contains the following glyconutrients: • Arabinogalactan • Galactose • Arabinose

22. Astragalus Gummifer • The stems and branches of astragalus shrubs are rich in galactose, arabinose, xylose, fucose, rhamnose, galcturonic acid, and proteins.

23. Gum Acacia • Extracted from the African acacia tree, gum acacia contains arabinose, galactose, rhamnose, and glucuronic acid.

24. Gum Ghatti • Obtained from the sap of the Indian sumac, gum ghatti contains galactose, arabinose, mannose, xylose, and glucuronic acid

25. Limu Moui • A marine vegetable native to Tonga, limu moui contains the following glyconutrients: • Galactose • Mannose • Xylose

26. Medicinal Mushrooms and Beta Glucans • Edible mushrooms contain an immune-enhancing sugar compound known as lentinant (a polysaccharide that contains beta-glucans)

27. Pectins • Pectins come from fruits like apples, pumpkins, and tomatoes.

28. Foods That Contain Glyconutrients • Aloe vera • Astralgus • Saps • Gums • Garlic • Certain mushrooms • Yeasts • Husks • Breast milk • Coconut meat • Echinacea • Maize • Pectins from fruits • Some algae • Certain herbs

29. Factors That Reduce Glyconutrients In Food • Green harvests • Processed foods • Preservatives • Increased toxins • Limited variety of foods in our diet

30. Glycoforms • Virtually every cell in the body is covered with hair-like glycoforms. • The sugar molecules form codes that allow cells to communicate with one another.

31. Glyconutrient Conversion • A series of enzyme controlled steps converts one glyconutrient sugar to another. • Enzyme conversions require energy. • Toxins, stress, drugs, processed foods, lack of enzymes, age, etc. can all inhibit an enzymes ability to convert these glyconutrients. • It is more efficient to obtain glyconutrients in the diet than to have to convert them.

32. Glyconutrient Effects • Raise the level of natural killer cells and macrophages to fight against infectious organisms. • Activate immune T-cell activity only when invaders are present. • Decrease cell death in people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome.

33. Glyconutrient Effects • Elevate disease resistance in weakened individuals. • Act as antioxidant compounds. • Protect the body from toxin and pollution exposure. • Slow premature aging.

34. Glyconutrient Effects • Decrease inflammation in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. • Helps immune cells recognize invaders due to a mutual “sugar exchange” of information. • Enable cellular components to stick to each other initiating the proper reactions.