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Overview: Glyconutrients are a group of supplements that contain simple sugars, such as glucose, galactose, mannose, fucose, and xylose. Glyconutrients are available over the counter as dietary supplements, usually as powders, capsules, or tablets that are taken by mouth. People take glyconutrients for many reasons, such as immune support, inflammation, and gut health, although their benefits are not well defined. Check with your health care provider before taking glyconutrients, especially if you have any health conditions or take any medicines.

Uses

What are glyconutrients used for?

Glyconutrients are used for various reasons, although their benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons people may take glyconutrients include the following.

  • Immune system support
  • Reducing inflammation
  • Digestion support and gut health, particularly with glyconutrient products containing nondigestible sugars, sometimes called prebiotics

Glucosamine is a type of glyconutrient that is commonly used for supporting joint health. Learn more about glucosamine here.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed glyconutrients for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How do glyconutrients work (mechanism of action)?

Glyconutrients are a group of supplements that contain simple sugars (called monosaccharides), often marketed as the “eight essential sugars” (galactose, glucose, arabinose, glucosamine, mannose, xylose, rhamnose, and fucose). However, the body can already make all of the sugars it needs on its own from a normal diet, so most of these sugars are not truly “essential” in the way the products suggest.

The theory behind glyconutrients is that the body uses sugars to build coatings on the surfaces of its cells. These sugar coatings, called glycans, play a role in how cells communicate and how the immune system tells the body’s own cells apart from germs. Some glyconutrient products are marketed with claims that taking these sugars can improve this process.

Researchers have proposed several ways glyconutrients might affect the body. They may act as building blocks for the sugar coatings on cells. Some of these sugars may interact with immune cells, including those involved in inflammation. Nondigestible sugars may act as food for helpful gut bacteria and produce substances that affect the immune system and the lining of the gut. Some ingredients in glyconutrient products have also been studied for possible effects on cancer.

However, most of the research on glyconutrients has been done in labs or animals rather than in people, so it is not clear whether taking these supplements provides meaningful health benefits.

Glyconutrient supplements may naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific product may vary from product to product. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store glyconutrients?

You should store glyconutrients according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of glyconutrients?

Glyconutrients seem to be well tolerated. But there is not enough research to know what the common side effects may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of glyconutrients?

While less common, the most serious side effects of glyconutrients are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Glyconutrient products may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking glyconutrients and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use glyconutrients?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take glyconutrients.

  • Glyconutrients
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific glyconutrients products they stock.

What should I know about glyconutrients before using them?

Glyconutrients are a dietary supplement. They cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep glyconutrients out of the reach of children.

Glyconutrients are available in many different forms, including powders, capsules, and tablets. If your product is a powder, use the scoop or measuring tool that comes with it, and follow the label to measure your dose correctly.

Glyconutrient products can contain different sugars and plant-based ingredients. The amounts of these ingredients can vary from product to product for many reasons, including how and where the ingredients were grown, harvested, and processed. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

The FDA has not tested glyconutrient products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using glyconutrients?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Also tell them if you have an upcoming surgery planned. Sharing this information will help your health care provider know if this or other supplements are right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Diabetes or Prediabetes. People with diabetes or prediabetes may need to be cautious with glyconutrient supplements. Some glyconutrient supplements contain sugars that may raise your blood sugar levels. Check with your health care provider before starting this or any type of dietary supplement.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how glyconutrients could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Glyconutrients may pass into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Do glyconutrients interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between glyconutrients and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect glyconutrients.

Do glyconutrients interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between glyconutrients and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with glyconutrients is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking glyconutrients with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much glyconutrients?

If you or someone else has used too much glyconutrients, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Glyconutrients come in various forms, including powders, capsules, and tablets. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to use glyconutrients safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.