GLYCONUTRIENTS: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Glyconutrients are plant sugars linked in chains. The body breaks down these sugar chains into simple sugars. The most commonly used glyconutrients contain plant sugars from aloe and larch arabinogalactan. People use these sugars to make medicine.

Glyconutrients are used for alcoholism, allergy, asthma, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

How does it work ?

Glyconutrients might stimulate the immune system or promote the growth of certain bacteria in the colon that are thought to be beneficial.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for GLYCONUTRIENTS overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Glyconutrients are POSSIBLY SAFE when taken in doses of about 2-4 grams daily for 8-12 weeks. They can cause intestinal gas and bloating.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Glyconutrients are POSSIBLY SAFE when taken in doses of about 2-4 grams daily for 8-12 weeks. They can cause intestinal gas and bloating.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if glyconutrients are safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

"Auto-immune diseases" such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Glyconutrients might cause the immune system to become more active. This might increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have an auto-immune condition, it's best to avoid using glyconutrients as medicine until more is known.

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Vitamin B12 interacts with GLYCONUTRIENTS
Glyconutrients might decrease levels of vitamin B12 in the blood. In theory, this might contribute to vitamin B12 deficiency.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of glyconutrients depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for glyconutrients. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

View References

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Alton G, Hasilik M, Niehues R, et al. Direct utilization of mannose for mammalian glycoprotein biosynthesis. Glycobiology 1998;8:285-95. View abstract.

Best T, Bryan J, Burns N. An investigation of the effects of saccharides on the memory performance of middle-aged adults. J Nutr Health Aging 2008;12(9):657-662. View abstract.

Best T, Kemps E, Bryan J. Perceived changes in well-being following polysaccharide intake in middle-aged adults. Applied Res Qual Life 2012;7(2):183-192.

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