Carbohydrates-Language of Life

Based upon evidence available in 1997, it was already apparent to the scientific community (Harper's Biochemistry; 1996, Murray et al.) that certain carbohydrate molecules were much more than just a source of energy for the body. Scientists had already learned that among 200+ naturally occurring carbohydrate molecules, 8 - 10 of them are essential for proper structure and function of the body's trillions of cells.

In the last six years the interest in carbohydrate research has exploded worldwide and it is now widely accepted that these specific carbohydrates (biochemically structured as sugars - monosaccharides) play a much greater role in health and healing than anyone had previously thought possible.

Unlike machines, living organisms are coded, or pre-programmed, to perform many complex "involuntary" functions as needed. Nearly every function in the body involves interactions between cells. We don't see, feel, or even know they are occurring. The question has been exactly how does the communication between cells take place in order to trigger the desired interactions? For instance, when you cut your hand, how does your skin and other tissue know how to fill in the damaged area and seal itself off again? When you eat, how does your digestive tract know which food components to utilize, and which ones to allow to pass through? How do the filters in your kidneys choose the correct molecules to expel? How does the immune system know which cells need to be repaired or destroyed?

Science has long tried to break the biocode by which the cells of the human body communicate and interact with one another. This mysterious code is the underlying operating system of the body, truly the "language of life." This language has long been thought to be a function of glycoproteins. But, understanding their mechanism of action has been difficult.

The name, glycoprotein, is derived from the composition of the molecule: sugar (glyco) and amino acid (protein). Glycoproteins fulfill many roles in the body, but are found in large numbers penetrating the surface of every cell. It was long believed that the protein in glycoprotein was responsible for coding activity in cells....that is, until it was learned that the maximum number of possible protein combinations is insufficient to explain the number of "involuntary" functions taking place in the body. That's when researchers began to focus on carbohydrates, the naturally occurring molecules attached to the protein outside the cell wall. Close examination of glycoproteins reveal that their carbohydrate content is significant, ranging from 1% to over 85% of their total weight.

As research progressed, it was reported in 1998 (Acta Anatomica - International Journal of Anatomy, Embryology, and Cell Biology, Vol. 161, No. 1-4) that "glycosylation (combining protein with carbohydrate) is the most common form of protein and lipid modification, but its biological significance has long been underestimated. The last decade, however, has witnessed the rapid emergence of the concept of the sugar code of biological information: Indeed, monosaccharides represent an alphabet of biological information similar to amino acids and nucleic acids, but with unsurpassed coding capacity." Research had confirmed that the "language of life" is manifested in the number and mix of these specific carbohydrate molecules first identified in 1996.

So, what does this mean for your health? Specific carbohydrates are absolutely essential in the correct functioning of the body's immune defenses and other "involuntary" functions. They are as important to proper cell structure/function as are vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and water. "When cell-surface carbohydrate profiles become altered they turn against the body, as in cancer and autoimmunity" (Biotechnology, Feb 1990, John Hodgson). Scientists know that many diseases, including autoimmune related diseases, share a common characteristic: altered glycoproteins.

What does the body use to build these important glycoproteins? Protein is abundant. However, only plants can capture the sun's energy to produce the required carbohydrates. Plants are the primary building blocks for the carbohydrate portion of glycoproteins. Unfortunately, our highly processed diets provide only two (glucose and galactose) of the essential dietary carbohydrates (Sugars That Heal, Emil Mondoa MD, Random House, 2001). The others must either be synthesized by the body from glucose or obtained directly from dietary supplementation. Body synthesis of the remaining carbohydrates needed for glycoprotein production is slow (30+ enzymatic processes are required for some conversions), consumes enormous amounts of bodily energy, or is often halted if available raw material is inadequate.

Many scientists believe most of the immune enhancing discoveries in the next 10-years will evolve from carbohydrate technologies. While pharmaceutical companies are desperately attempting to synthesize the essential carbohydrate molecules for use in drugs (Science, Vol.291,23 March 2001), their progress is such that, if successful, it might be10 -15 years before any such drugs are brought to market. If they achieve their goals, the drugs will likely be expensive and, in all probability, somewhat toxic.

Meanwhile, Nature has already provided these essential carbohydrates in abundance. While not available in our modern diets, they are available as "nutraceutical" grade (standardized and produced to pharmaceutical standards) food supplements offered as "glyconutritionals." With proper supplementation, the body's ability to improve general health, prevent disease and address existing health challenges is enhanced significantly.

The science supporting glyconutritional intervention is provided as approved Continuing Education for medical doctors, pharmacists, and other health care professionals Nation wide. Selected glyconutritionals are listed in Physician's Desk Reference for Non-Prescription Drugs and Dietary Supplements.

For more information on Glyconutritionals visit:
http://www.mannapages.com/food4health/index.asp