Glycosaminoglycans (Mucopolysaccharides) are long chains of sugar molecules such as glucosamine. They comprise the first line of defense of mucous membranes of gastrointestinal tract and the bladder. They are also found in fluid around the joints, cartilage, connective tissue and skin. Examples of GAGs include Chondroitin sulfate, Dermatan sulfate, Keratan sulfate, Heparin, Heparan sulfate and Hyaluronan.

Glycosaminoglycans functional deficiency is implicated in many conditions, such as autoimmunity, arthritis, bowel hyper permeability (leaky gut) and bladder hyper permeability, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), asthma ^[srs], Alzheimer’s disease, protein intolerance, gastroesophageal reflux disease, osteoarthritis, ulcerative colitis, rheumatic diseases, CFS, MS and fibromyalgia. The outcomes of deficiency are adverse effects on digestion, intra-nutritional balance, immunity, musculoskeletal health and cognitive functions.

When intestinal wall is missing the GAGs layer absorbs undigested proteins into the blood stream, conditions that are thought to be autoimmune in nature begin to occur. This includes the Crohn’s disease, IBS, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. The cells identify proteins as invasive bio-material and mount an autoimmune response. Same applies to bladder dysfunctions such as interstitial cystitis where the metabolites of urine leak into the bladder tissues initiating an autoimmune response that results in ulceration.

When glycosaminoglycans are depleted, individuals are plagued with anxiety disorders, gastrointestinal issues such as low gastric acid and enzyme insufficiency, animal proteins indigestion, histamine rich foods intolerance, mineral, amino acids and vitamin depletion, joint and muscle pains, urinary tract and bladder inflammation and neurological disorders.

Causes

Glycosaminoglycans deficiency causes have not been clearly established, however, the following are possibly implicated