Are saccharides the most important non-essential nutrients for maintenance of health and prevention of chronic disease?

The white paper titled “Are Saccharides the Most Important Non-essential Nutrients for Maintenance of Health and Prevention of Chronic Disease?” by John E. Lewis, Ph.D., explores the significance of saccharides, specifically polysaccharides, as crucial nutrients in maintaining health and preventing chronic diseases. The paper discusses the role of various nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and amino acids, in basic health and disease prevention.

The focus shifts to the exploration of polysaccharides, emphasizing their role in producing bioactive compounds that influence the biochemistry of living cells. The paper details the involvement of polysaccharides, particularly mannose, in glycosylation processes within cells. The glycosylation process is highlighted as a fundamental step in the bio-assembly line within cells, influencing cellular activities and communication.

The document further discusses the health benefits associated with polysaccharides, particularly those derived from plants such as rice bran, aloe vera, and dioscorea. Aloe polymannose and BioBran™ are identified as potent polysaccharides with documented immunological effects, including antiviral, antibacterial, anti-neoplastic, and wound healing properties.

The white paper cites specific studies conducted in the author’s lab, providing evidence of the cognitive and immunomodulatory effects of polysaccharide-based formulas in subjects with Alzheimer’s disease and patients with relapse-remitting multiple sclerosis. The effects of BioBran™ are extensively studied in various clinical trials, demonstrating immunomodulation, improvement in CD4+/CD8+ ratio in HIV patients, and positive outcomes in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

In conclusion, the paper asserts that polysaccharides, including those from a variety of plant sources, are potentially the most important non-essential nutrients for maintaining health and preventing chronic diseases. The documented immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of polysaccharides are presented as potent mechanisms to counteract various health challenges and support overall well-being. The paper emphasizes the importance of incorporating polysaccharides into dietary supplements for their wide-ranging health benefits.