Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• Advanced Ambrotose®, Ambrotose® complex, dietary saccharide, fucose, galactose, glucose, Glycentials®, glycobiology, glycoconjugates, glycoform, glyconutritional, glycoprotein, High Purity D-Ribose™, Manapol®, 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 not typically disease specific, as these polysaccharides are thought to be critical to cellular communication. 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 in the last few years, with a multilevel marketing (MLM) company called Mannatech a leading manufacturer of glyconutrient supplements that are marketed under the product line Ambrotose®. In 2009, the Texas attorney general prosecuted a leading manufacturer of glyconutrient supplements, citing the company's exaggeration of the product's benefits.
• Case studies and animal studies have studied glyconutrients' effects on conditions like cognition and cancer prevention. Clinical studies of glyconutrients' effects on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), failure to thrive, and myasthenia gravis 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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