If there is such a standard and accepted definition for the word, I have not seen it yet. To me, the word glyconutrient has no special medical or nutritional meaning. The term i glyconutrient is confusing and unnecessary. My degree in college was nutrition. I have a bachelor's degree in nutrition science and afterwards went to medical school. As an expert in nutrition science, I do not find the term helpful. This does not mean I am against the use of natural supplements. To the contrary. I believe they are extremely helpful and underused by the medical profession. I, myself, take supplements almost every day and I recommend them. My purpose, here, is to be scientifically honest. See an excellent scientific review of this topic at http://glycob.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/18/9/652.
Glyconutrient In Food
How is a glyconutrient defined? Is a glyconutrient any sugar molecule attached to something else like an amino group or another molecule? In that case, sugars and sugars attached to other molecules are plentiful in the diet in vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, etc.
What Is Glyconutrients, Are These Glyconutrients?
Are the following substances considered glyconutrients? Glactosamine, glucose, fructose, lactose, ribose, glucosamine, N-acetylglucosamine, rhamnose, arabinose, mucins, gum polysacharides, mannose, glycosaminoglycans, and galactose? Who determines what types of sugar chains, or related molecules are called a glyconutrient? Who determines which of these sugar- and sugar-related substances are 'essential?'
Until proven, the term 'glyconutrient' appears to be a marketing gimmick and does not really help explain anything but only adds to confusion. I rather refer to the individual molecule when reading the research about a particular substance. I rather learn what the research says about glucosamine, arabinogalactans, rhamnose, etc., rather than a confusing term such as glyconutrient.
The problem, also, is the way these products are being marketed
There is no claim that taking a Mannatech glyconutrient supplement will hurt you or help you. Perhaps taking such a supplement does provide health benefits in certain conditions while not be effective for others, or perhaps be harmful in some people or distract them from the use of other supplements or medications that could be more helpful. I just have a major problem with the way these glyconutrient products are being marketed; the misinformation that there are 'eight essential sugars;' and the claims being made that these products cure a variety of diseases including cancer. In fact, the Texas Attorney General filed a lawsuit in July 2007 against Mannatech, see below. Most herbs and supplements have not been studied well but yet available to the consumer. Selling supplements is fine as long as no claims are being made that they prevent or cure diseases. The problem arises when claims are made that are not accurate or serve to deceive the consumer.
Assuming taking a glyconutrient supplement has certain health benefits. Is it also possible that other readily available and inexpensive supplements - for instance psyllium fiber, glucomannan, or fish oil supplements - be as, or more, beneficial at a fraction of the cost of a Mannatech glyconutrient product? The scientific evidence thus far points to the likelihood that the average American diet is low in fiber and long-chained fatty acids found in fish, rather than deficient in "eight glyconutrients." Also, the Mannatech glyconutrient product appears to have a high concentration of arabinogalactans, aloe vera and certain gums. Would it be cheaper to just buy these supplements separately?
Texas Attorney General files a lawsuit against Mannatech and their Glyconutrient product claims;
July 2007 - Greg Abbott, the Texas Attorney General has charged Mannatech, Inc., its owner, Samuel L. Caster, and several related entities with promoting an illegal marketing scheme that encourages consumers to believe that its products are effective against many serious diseases. The court will examine Mannatech’s dubious claims about the health benefits of its products. The following are some of the charges mentioned in the complaint:
"Mannatech claims scientific validation from the field of glycoscience, which is the legitimate study of the structure and function of sugars."
"Mannatech claims that its proprietary products' main ingredients, glyconutrients, enhance the body's cell-to-cell communication and improve overall health."
"Mannatech encourages the use of testimonials and various sales aids to suggest that the products dramatically cure or treat serious illnesses."
"In fact, the company's health claims are not supported by legitimate scientific studies."
Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott accuses Mannatech of violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, which provides civil penalties of $20,000 for each violation and the Texas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which can have penalties up to $25,000 per each day per violation. He claims, "Texans will not tolerate illegal marketing schemes that prey upon the sick and unsuspecting,"
Attorney General Abbott said. "Aided by an army of multi-level sellers and their fictitious claims about its products, Mannatech has aggressively marketed supplements to countless unwitting purchasers. With today's enforcement action, the Office of the Attorney General seeks to shut down an elaborate scheme to defraud innocent consumers across the nation." Documents filed in Travis County district court reveal Mannatech's scheme to exploit families, including those challenged by cancer, Down's syndrome, cystic fibrosis and other serious illnesses. For more info, see http://www.oag.state.tx.us/oagnews/release.php?id=2086. Source.
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