Naked Science Forum

General Science => General Science => Topic started by: mannasugar on 24/10/2005 16:06:59

Title: Glyconutrients
Post by: mannasugar on 24/10/2005 16:06:59

What part of the body makes glyconutrients?

D.J.

Title: Re: Glyconutrients
Post by: Ylide on 25/10/2005 02:07:03

The term "Glyconutrients" covers a broad range of biomolecules used by the body.  Sugars and glycoproteins both fall under this category.  Unfortunately, there is no single organ that produces them.  

In the case of the latter two, they are synthesized in the cells that need them.  It is incredibly inefficient to be shuttling proteins around the body since the blueprint for making them (DNA) is sitting right there, so they tend to be made where they're needed.  

The essential sugars are all synthesized by various pathways in the body.  There are far too many to list where they are upregulated and where they are downregulated.  Rest assured they are all made by enzyme action upon glucose or its metabolites in glycolysis.  

Random mutation or environmental factors could contribute to deficiencies in glyconutrients, but the health effects of this and wether simply eating them (especially the glycoproteins) will fix the problem are under debate.  



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