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N-acetylNeuraminic acid or sialic acid appears extensively throughout
human tissues and in several fluids, particularly in serums, cerebrospinal
fluids, saliva, urine, amniotic fluids and also with mother's milk.
Its potent concentration is found in the human brain and kidneys;
giving rise to speculations that a supplement of N-acetylNeuraminic
acid improves brain functions including memory.
This acid is also responsible for the slippery feel of saliva and
the mucins coating the body organ.
What does it do to our body?
Clinical studies reveal that N-acetylNeuraminic acid serves as
an immune moderator that affects the flow resistance of mucus. In
the process, it repels bacteria, viruses and several strains of
microbes. In vitro and animal studies, the saccharide in sialic
acid was revealed to clamp down on influenza viruses A and B more
effectively than any known prescription anti-viral medicine. Similar
studies in Australia reinforce the findings that it is effective
against influenza.
Sialic acid probably plays a role in brain development and cognitive
learning since high levels of it are found among brain tissues.
Its concentration in the kidney could lessen the risk of stone formation.
Moreover, Sialic acid is also present in the skin and testes, a
proof that pertinent skin diseases and reproductive problems could
be reversed by taking supplements of this essential sugar. Studies
also revealed that sialic acid influences blood coagulation and
cholesterol levels (lowers LDL, the bad cholesterol).
According to studies, Sjogren's syndrome, a disease usually associated
with alcoholics can be reversed through a daily supplement of sialic
acid. Infants that show signs of abnormalities in Sialic acid metabolism
fail to grow and even regress in terms of development; be endowed
with enlarged livers and spleen; show marked coarsening of facial
features and reduced pigmentation of the skin and hair. Sialic acid
appears to be active during pregnancy and lactation to benefit growing
infant in the process of establishing immunity, physical and mental
development.
N-AcetylNeuraminic Acid level is markedly low in severely ill patients,
particularly in the upper airway cells that increase the risk of
respiratory infections. Those with rheumatoid arthritis are also
found to embody lower levels of the saccharide; thus, confirming
the fact that sialic acid plays a major role in the functioning
of the immune system. Lastly, studies in Japan reveal that sialic
acid blocks the release of histamines reducing severity of allergic
reactions and ashmatic bronchial spasms.
When taken as supplement what are its adverse reactions?
There seems to be no adverse effects pertinent to the intake of
sialic acid as a supplement. In fact, higher doses of N-ActylNeuraminic
acid administered to experimental animals increase the learning
abilities of said lab creatures. But on the other hand, intake of
the saccharide is not advisable for people with metabolic disorders
(for it prevents the proper absorption of sugar) since the intake
of sialic acid may just worsen the disorder instead of treating
it. Clinical practitioners suggest a maximum safe dosage of 140
milligrams for a healthy adult.
What are the natural dietary sources for N-acetylNeuraminic acid?
A good source of sialic acid is whey protein isolate or concentrate
(even those allergic to dairy products shows tolerance to this substance)
for it appears that whey concentrate contains higher amounts of
Sialic acid than in its isolate form. Moreover, chicken eggs are
nourished with a good amount of organic Sialic acid.
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