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In the study of the eight essential glyconutrients, not much is
known about the N-acetylgalactosamine substance. Limited literature
on this essential sugar however suggests that it plays a vital role
in cellular communication.
As such, the communication potential of this saccharide is not
only important for normal systemic functions but also in the management
of diseases such as cancer, inflammation and the breakdown of the
immune function.
It is clear from pertinent clinical studies that the absorption
of N-acetylgalactosamine with the intestines is performed through
a specific transporter that is deemed different from other glyconutrients,
although a more thorough research needs to be conducted for this.
It was only recently that the existence of a specific intestinal
cell transporter that is not relative to all glyconutrients was
brought to the fore.
What is common among glyconutrients though is that excretion is
made through the urine. Furthermore, since the specific enzyme for
this particular saccharide is found in the kidneys, there is a strong
possibility that the same could be harnessed to recycle body sugar.
Several studies indicate that an oral dose ingested stays in the
body until excreted from the blood stream after eight to twelve
hours.
N-acetylgalactosamine's role in cellular communication is similar
to that of other glyconutrients that is to maintain proper channels
because breakdown in cellular communication always results in cellular
network misunderstanding, small wars and chaos. This condition will
often lead to diseases with studies revealing that altered levels
of N-acetylgalactosamine inhibit development of major illnesses
to therefore suggest the sugar's role in its prevention.
A good example would be patients of colon cancer. Medical tests
reveal that only half the normal amounts of N-acetylgalactosamine
is present in the affected area, giving room for cancer cells to
metastasize, make more mucin and likely to expand to form metastases.
Therefore, the presence of this saccharide in regular amounts will
prevent cell mutation from occurring. Even with very limited research,
N-acetylgalactosamine promises to be an important substance in the
management of cancer therapy.
Patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases are found deficient
with N-acetylgalactosamine, which implies that a supplement of this
saccharide daily could reverse the condition. This saccharide has
also been proven to limit the destructive nature of free radicals
that cause inflammation of bone joints. N-acetylgalactosamine has
manifested inherent involvement in the functioning of the immune
system since this substance can be found in the macrophages and
neutrophils and both play a significant role in the etiology of
joint inflammation, a condition pronounced in rheumatoid arthritis.
The presence of N-acetylgalactosamine with the brain could be an
indication of its important part in nerve functions. Likewise, its
abundance in other sensory nerve structures, particularly the retina,
photoreceptors, optic nerve and the epithelial pigment of the eyes
has something to do with providing adequate optical vision. Clinical
studies reveal that the volume of this saccharide in the body decreases
as a human ages; suggesting that deterioration of various bodily
functions can possibly be neutralized with the daily intake of a
supplement.
Safety of N-acetylglucosamine supplement intake could not be ascertained
for the moment owing to limited research and heavy doses could induce
a certain type of hepatitis. Although some quarters suggest that
the daily intake of 280 milligrams would be sufficient. Dietary
sources include Bovine and Shark cartilage, red algae or Dumontiaceae.
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