The Sugars - Mannose (Second of eight essential glyconutrients)

Mannose is one of eight essential glyconutrients and can be found in Gum Ghatti which is obtained from the sap of the Indian sumac. Mannose plays a major role in tissue remodelling, cell to cell communication, inhibition of tumour growth and spread, and the prevention of bacterial, viral, parasitic and fungal infections. Other functions of mannose include lowering blood sugar and triglyceride levels in diabetics, lowering cholesterol; easing the inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and may help lupus patients as studies indicate these patients have mannose deficiencies. Studies also show that mannose is necessary for the production of cytokines which fight invaders. Scientists at the Glycobiology Institute at Oxford have found that macrophages have mannose receptors that activate immune attacks.