Ambrotose

Mannatech's Glyconutrients, Ambrotose

A multilevel company, Mannatech introduced a product called Ambrotose many years ago. If you do an internet search you will find Ambrotose being promoted for a number of conditions. For instance, I came across this statement on a website, "It was recently brought to my attention that a product called Ambrotose, produced by Mannatech Inc, has been proven by independent studies to be an effective treatment of Lupus, multiple sclerosis and Chronic Fatigue; among other auto-immune diseases, such as less common Myasthenia Gravis. Ambrotose is a complex of naturally occurring mono-sacharides and poly-sacharides that have been put together in a capsule form or in a powder. It is completely non-toxic and has no side effects".

I did a Medline search for Ambrotose and could not find any studies published on this product, so it is difficult for me to accept the claims made about Ambrotose. How do we know ingesting a glyconutrient supplement for prolonged periods causes no harm or side effects?
Diabetes: There are no studies that support the use of Mannatech glyconutrients for diabetes.
Cancer: There are no studies that support the use of Mannatech glyconutrients for cancer.

A Doctor's opinion On Ambrotose, Mannatech's Glyconutrients

One in vitro study shows glyconutrients stimulate the immune system. This really does not give us much information on how glyconutrients, and in what dosage, would have an influence on the immune system in humans when ingested as a supplement. Furthermore, there are countless varieties of glyconutrient molecules and glycunutrient molecule combinations within an herbal product. The immune system is extremely complicated with countless cells and substances, tissues and organs, all communicating in unimaginably complicated interactions. As an aside, there are countless herbs and supplements that have an influence on the immune system.

For the time being, I am not in a position to recommend the use of a Mannatech glyconutrient supplement to enhance the immune system or for other purposes. There are many more nutrients and herbs that have been studied more thoroughly. For a list, see Immune system. Even the ones that have been studied more thoroughly are not understood that well.

There are hundreds of different glyconutrients and glyconutrient combinations in a variety of different dosages (assuming scientists agree on the definition of a glyconutrient or even feel the need to use such a term). We have no idea on how these interact with each person's immune system. Some people may benefit by taking a glyconutrient supplement while another person may find it harmful or get a side effect.

To complicate matters further, there could be a short term benefit but, prolonged use could lead to overstimulation of the immune system and could potentially reverse any initial benefit. The whole issue of glyconutrient supplementation is very complicated and if you hear of promotional material that makes it appear simple, be skeptical. I suggest you be even more skeptical if you hear of cure all promises and endless testimonials that tout the benefits of glyconutrients. Most of the time testimonials are made up by the marketers selling the products.

In brief, the use of the term glyconutrients is unnecessary and does not help the advancement of nutritional research.

Side Effects Of Mannatech's Glyconutrients, Ambrotose

Since I don't exactly know what glyconutrient sellers mean by this term, and not having seen glyconutrient research in humans, I don't know if taking a glyconutrient supplement will lead to side effects. As a rule (not always), if a supplement or a medicine has a positive effect, most likely it will have some sort of side effect, too, since it is changing the structure or function of the body, biochemistry, or physiologic function.

John Taylor, MBA, PhD, runs the Consumer Awareness Institute mlm-thetruth.com. He claims that over 99% of new distributors for various MLM companies lose money. Source.