N-acetylgalactosamine

Related Terms

Dietary saccharide, fucose, galactose, glucose, glycobiology, glycoconjugates, glycoform, glyconutritional, glycoprotein, mannose, N-acetylgalactosamine, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylneuraminic acid, saccharide, sialic acid, sugars, xylose.

Background

Glyconutrients are dietary supplements that supply sugars such as glucose, galactose, mannose, fucose, xylose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, and N-acetylneuraminic acid. These sugars are thought to be necessary for cells to communicate with each other in the body.
Glyconutrient research (glycobiology) has increased in the last few years. A leading manufacturer of glyconutrient supplements, however, was prosecuted by the Texas attorney general in 2009 for exaggerating the benefits of its product and was required to pay four million dollars in restitution to customers.
Studies have investigated the effect of glyconutrients on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cognition, immune function, failure to thrive, and myasthenia gravis (a neuromuscular disorder), and well-being. However, the scientific evidence is unclear. More research is needed before firm conclusions can be made.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Glyconutrients may cause a decrease in the number and severity of symptoms in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, more research is needed in this area.

 C


Glyconutrients may cause a decrease in the number and severity of symptoms in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, more research is needed in this area.

 C


Preliminary research suggests that glyconutrients may be beneficial for cognition and memory. More research is needed.

 C


Preliminary research suggests that glyconutrients may be beneficial for cognition and memory. More research is needed.

 C


Glyconutrients may increase weight and height in toddlers with failure to thrive. More research is needed.

 C


Glyconutrients may increase weight and height in toddlers with failure to thrive. More research is needed.

 C


Several polysaccharides (sugars) from the diet may have immune effects and may be helpful for immune disorders, allergies, cancer, and infections. More trials are warranted.

 C


Several polysaccharides (sugars) from the diet may have immune effects and may be helpful for immune disorders, allergies, cancer, and infections. More trials are warranted.

 C


Research suggests that glyconutrient supplementation may offer some benefit to patients with myasthenia gravis. Further research is needed.

 C


Research suggests that glyconutrient supplementation may offer some benefit to patients with myasthenia gravis. Further research is needed.

 C


Supplementation with a commercial polysaccharide (sugars) product was associated with a greater self-reported physical and psychological well-being. More well-designed studies are needed in this area.

 C


Supplementation with a commercial polysaccharide (sugars) product was associated with a greater self-reported physical and psychological well-being. More well-designed studies are needed in this area.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (over 18 years old)
For cognition, one teaspoon of a glyconutrient complex, containing polysaccharides from Aloe vera, Larix decidua, Astragalus gummifer, and Anogeissus latifolia, as well as rice starch, glucosamine hydrochloride, mannose, galactose, fucose, xylose, glucose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylneuraminic acid, and N-acetylgalactosamine, has been taken by mouth twice daily for 12 weeks.
For immune function, 100-5,400mg daily for periods of four days to seven years.
For well-being, one teaspoon twice daily of a glyconutrient complex for 12 weeks.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. 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. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Glyconutrients may alter the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?). Commercial glyconutrient products that contain vitamin K or ubidecarenone may antagonize the effects of anticoagulants, such as warfarin (Coumadin?).
Glyconutrients may affect blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also affect blood sugar. People taking agents for diabetes by mouth, or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Glyconutrients may also interact with agents that affect cholesterol levels, agents for diarrhea, estrogens, gastrointestinal agents, immunosuppressants, iron salts, or memory agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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