Glycobiology 101:

The Science of Cellular Communication

            Consider the importance of communication in our lives. If you tell a friend to turn left instead of right, then they will get lost; if you dial a 5 instead of 7, then you will call a wrong number; and if you pay $2,000 in taxes instead of $20,000, then good luck with the IRS. The importance of communication is often taken for granted.

            Now, what would happen if the human body did not communicate correctly? What would happen if your immune system could not communicate and distinguish between healthy, functional cells and abnormal, destructive cells? Clearly, communication in the human body is an important consideration when something is wrong.

The human body communicates at a cellular level. The means by which our cells communicate is the interaction of glycoproteins on the surface of every cell in our body. A glycoprotein is a specific combination of a protein and sugar (glyco). Fortunately, the necessary proteins are readily formed utilizing the resources from our diet. Unfortunately, many of the necessary sugars are not available in our diets and are difficult for our bodies to produce. The body is trying to communicate without the necessary components of its language. Imagine trying to type a letter without using vowels.

There are eight necessary sugars utilized in the construction of glycoprotein chains. Only two of the eight sugars are available through our diet. Our bodies are able to construct the remaining six sugars, but the process is intensive and requires the presence of specific enzymes and catalysts at every step along the way.  A better solution is direct supplementation of these necessary sugars.

The study of sugars is referred to by the scientific community as glycobiology, glycomics and glyconutrients, and is changing the landscape of health and nutrition. Research the terms, the science is overwhelming, and you just learned the basics in less than 300 words.

Many health care practitioners and the general public are just learning about the vital role of glyconutrients in forming cellular structures and enabling cells to have proper function and structure. Consider that courses in nutrition were not a required part of medical school curriculum until 2002.

Science Magazine (March 23, 2001) devoted an entire issue to these "biologically active sugars.”

The first Glycomics convention for medical credit took place in October 2005, in Texas.

The New England Journal of Medicine, July 2002, states that supplementing one’s diet is a necessity. Food no longer provides 100% of the body’s nutritional needs. Scientists have found glyconutrients are required for the proper structure and function of each individual human cell. Glyconutrients are just as necessary to the diet as amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.

Glyconutrients are an extraordinary discovery that is giving hope to many who suffer from various health challenges and those who want to maintain and improve their health. Explore for yourself at my educational website: www.ourhealthycells.com

Also, a scientific reference site: www.glycoscience.org.

Priscilla Mantos, M.Ed., ANA certified

h 508-881-5903 or

cell 508-981-2666