Glycobiology

Glycobiology is the study of the makeup, biosynthesis and biology of sugar chains known as saccharine, which are contained throughout nature. Glycobiologists study the multiple functions of sugars that are attached to proteins and lipids. The field extends from the chemistry of carbohydrates to the function of glycans in multifaceted biological systems. The greatest amount of research is about glycans of higher animal systems. Glycobiologists examine carbohydrates and the vital role they play in all life on Earth.

What is the goal of glycobiology?

The main investigation of glycobiologists is to figure out the biological purpose of sugars attached to proteins and membranes, and to figure out how these functions are done.

What are glycans?

Carbohydrates are not just simple sugars that make you fat if they aren't turned into energy. Instead, they are complex molecular conjugates called glycans, or glycanconjugates. They come in all shapes and sizes and they are the key to life. They form the elaborate sugar coating on and around each cell of every living thing.

These glycans play an extremely important role in conveying biochemical signals into and between cells. They are responsible for communication between cells, which is crucial for normal cell and tissue development, physiological function, and overall well being. When cells do not communicate properly, disease occurs.

What is glycosylation?

Glycosylation is the addition of complex sugars to proteins and lipids. Glycosylation plays an important role in cell-to-cell interaction, among other things.

What is a major breakthrough in the field of glycobiology?

The biggest discovery for glycobiologists and a major recent discovery for all medical fields is glyconutrients. Scientific researchers now recognize eight complex sugars found on the surface of human cells that are concerned with cellular recognition methods. These eight carbohydrates are components of cellular glycoproteins and are not used by the body for energy like scientists originally thought was the purpose of sugar.

These eight essential sugars known as glyconutrients are glucose, galactose, fucose, mannose, xylose, N- acetyl-neuraminic acid N-acetyl-glucosamine, and N-acetyl- galactosamine. Each of these glyconutrients is a building block for a vast number of sugar chains, or glycans. And glycans are vital for cellular communication. When any of these glyconutrients are missing from you body, the glycoproteins cannot communicate with each other. Some believe the breakdown in this chain can cause adverse affects on the body.

Where are glyconutrients in our diet?

Unfortunately, all but two glyconutrients have been phased out of the modern diet. Glucose, which is regular refined sugar, and galactose, which is found in dairy products, is the only two glyconutrients found in most people's diet today. Although the body can produce the other six using these two carbohydrates, it is an extremely intensive process and takes away from valuable energy.

Fruits and vegetables should be where people supplement their supply of glyconutrients from; but a number of reasons have made that impossible. Green harvesting, which is picking produce before it has had a chance to ripen is a cause of glyconutrient depletion. The essential sugars never have a chance to travel up from the roots to the stem and into the fruit or vegetable before it is picked. In addition, a variety of chemicals is also used in the growing and harvesting process and the produce is stored for long periods of time, which is also detrimental to ensuring plenty of vitamins and minerals.

Glycobiology Summary

Glycobiology is one of, if not the most, complex science there is. Scientists are continuing to conduct research and studies as it relates to glyconutrients. The future is promising; but we need to wait for released published results before we can truly state the benefits of glyconutrients.

Ingredients: Arabinogalactin, Aloe Vera Whole Leaf powdered extract, Ghatti Gum powder, Guar Gum powder, Fenugreek Seed powder, Maitake Mushroom powder, Locust Bean Gum powder, Cinnamon powder, Stevia.