N-acetylneuramic acid is one of the 8 saccharides known as Glyconutrients the others are:
Mannose
Glucose
Galactose
Xylose
Fucose (not fructose)
N-acetylglucosamine
N-acetylgalactosamine
N-acetylneuramic acid is used in the learning process and brain development. It helps with many blood functions and improves the immune system. The levels of this saccharide decrease, as we get older. It is also known as sialic acid. Sialic acid plays a vital role in cell communication. It works as receptors on the cell surface and is found in many different tissues of the body.
Raised levels of Sialic acid have been found in the body in the later months of pregnancy. Sialic acid is found to play a large role in brain development of small mammals. It has been shown to be having a substantial decrease in those with respiratory disease older age and alcoholics. It regulates metabolism in red blood cells and glycoprotein synthesis.
Sialic acid affects the flow of mucus and repels harmful bacteria and other microbes from the body. In addition it has been shown to be helpful in lessening the risk of kidney stones. It has been...