Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: pirunner on 02/10/2007 01:24:56

Title: lectin??
Post by: pirunner on 02/10/2007 01:24:56

Lectins are supposedly proteins that come from your food and bind with your blood cells. They are said to thicken and clot your blood. Are these real? If they are, are their effects noticible or noteworthy?

Title: lectin??
Post by: another_someone on 02/10/2007 01:35:06

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lectins

Quote

Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins or glycoproteins which are highly specific for their sugar moieties.

I could quote the whole page, but essentially, lectins are a whole family of proteins or glycoprotiens, each with their own binding.  Some are therapeutic, and some highly toxic (arguably, every therapeutic drug is merely a toxin taken at the right dose).

One well known lectin is ricin, one of the most potent toxins known.

Title: lectin??
Post by: pirunner on 03/10/2007 23:36:13

It sounds like, in general, they perform some vital roles in our bodies. But why then have I heard some people say that certain people should avoid foods with certain lectins for health reasons? Is there anything to watch out for?