the Difference Between Polysaccharides and Glycans in Nutrition

Q: the Difference Between Polysaccharides and Glycans in Nutrition

Hello： The three main nutrients in food are carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. <br>Among these, carbohydrates can be classified into three categories based on their structure： monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. <br>"Polysaccharides" is a general term for compoun

What is the difference between polysaccharides and glycoproteins?

Hello, nutritionist: It is often heard that polysaccharides can have anti-cancer properties.
What is the difference between polysaccharides and polysaccharide types? Which foods contain a higher amount of polysaccharides? Thank you.

A Da, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/11/20

Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition

Hello: The three main nutrients in food are carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Among these, carbohydrates can be classified into three categories based on their structure: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.
"Polysaccharides" is a general term for compounds made up of multiple monosaccharides.
"Polysaccharides" also refer to a type of carbohydrate that is formed by the combination of polysaccharide units.
In fact, polysaccharides can be found in nature with different chemical structures such as alpha, beta, and gamma.
In the fungal kingdom, they predominantly exist in the form of beta-glucans, which are natural substances that cannot be synthesized artificially.
Numerous pharmacological studies and clinical reports have clearly demonstrated that beta-glucans have a special activating effect on human cells, playing a crucial role in maintaining human health and even in the treatment of diseases.
Recent research on polysaccharides has found that they can: 1.
Promote antibody production, 2.
Enhance the proliferation of immune cells, 3.
Regulate T-cell function, 4.
Boost natural killer cell activity, and 5.
Enhance phagocytic cell activity.
These findings and effects can strengthen the human immune system, thereby achieving cancer prevention and anti-cancer effects.
Foods rich in polysaccharides include beneficial mushrooms such as reishi, turkey tail, cordyceps, and lion's mane.
Currently, there are also some health supplements on the market that contain these polysaccharides.
If you choose to use them, it is safer to select health products certified by the Department of Health.
You can also visit the Department of Health's website to check for approved health products.
Finally, I wish you peace and joy.
Nutritionist Shu-Hua Lu.

Reply Date: 2003/11/20

More Info

Polysaccharides and glycans are terms often used interchangeably in nutritional science, but they have distinct meanings that are important to understand, especially in the context of health benefits such as cancer prevention.
Polysaccharides are large carbohydrate molecules composed of long chains of monosaccharide units (simple sugars) linked together by glycosidic bonds. They can be classified into two main categories: storage polysaccharides and structural polysaccharides. Storage polysaccharides, such as starch and glycogen, serve as energy reserves in plants and animals, respectively. Structural polysaccharides, like cellulose and chitin, provide support and protection to plant and animal cells.

On the other hand, glycans refer to any carbohydrate molecule, including oligosaccharides (short chains of monosaccharides) and polysaccharides. Glycans can be found in various forms, including free oligosaccharides, glycoproteins (proteins with carbohydrate chains attached), and glycolipids (lipids with carbohydrate chains). Glycans play crucial roles in biological processes, including cell signaling, immune response, and cell recognition.

The distinction between polysaccharides and glycans is significant in nutrition because certain types of polysaccharides, particularly those derived from fungi and certain plants, have been shown to possess immunomodulatory and anticancer properties. For example, beta-glucans, a type of polysaccharide found in the cell walls of fungi like mushrooms (e.g., shiitake, reishi, and maitake), have been extensively studied for their ability to enhance immune function and potentially reduce the risk of cancer. These compounds stimulate the immune system by activating macrophages and natural killer cells, which play critical roles in identifying and destroying cancer cells.

In terms of dietary sources, foods rich in polysaccharides and glycans include:
1. Mushrooms: Varieties like shiitake, reishi, and maitake are particularly high in beta-glucans.

2. Whole grains: Foods such as oats, barley, and whole wheat contain soluble and insoluble fibers that are beneficial for gut health and may have protective effects against cancer.

3. Legumes: Beans, lentils, and peas are excellent sources of dietary fiber, including resistant starch and oligosaccharides that can support gut health.

4. Fruits and vegetables: Many fruits and vegetables contain various polysaccharides, including pectin (found in apples and citrus fruits) and cellulose (found in leafy greens), which contribute to their health benefits.

In summary, while polysaccharides and glycans are related, they serve different roles in nutrition and health. Polysaccharides, particularly those from certain fungi and plants, have been recognized for their potential anticancer properties due to their ability to enhance immune function. Incorporating a variety of foods rich in these compounds into your diet can be beneficial for overall health and may play a role in cancer prevention. Always consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice, especially if you are considering specific supplements or dietary changes for health reasons.

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