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Fucose (not to be confused with fructose) is one of the
eight essential sugars the body needs for optimum cell-to-cell communication.
Fucose is abundant in mother's breast milk and certain mushrooms.
Influencing brain development, fucose has also been linked to improving
the brain's ability to create long-term memories. Studies have shown
that by inhibiting fucose in the brain, amnesia has developed.
Fucose in high concentrations can be found at the junctions between
nerves (synapses), in the outer layer of skin and in the kidney
and testes. Deficiencies of fucose could affect synaptic transmission
(nerve impulses). Because fucose is found in the proximal tubules
of the human kidney, it is most likely important for proper kidney
function and because it is found in high concentrations in the testes,
it has been linked to important reproduction functions as well.
Since fucose is also found in the outer layer of skin, it has been
linked to skin hydration functions.
The metabolism of fucose is abnormal in diabetes, cystic fibrosis
and cancer. Fucose is credited with guarding against respiratory
tract infections and inhibiting allergic reactions. Fucose is easily
absorbed by the small intestine and metabolized into glycoproteins.
In regards to excretion, fucose is mainly eliminated through the
urine or breast milk in humans.
As an immune modulator, fucose is vitally important since it is
distributed in macrophages, which are the largest white blood cells
in the body. Fucose is well-documented as playing a vital role in
both overactive and under-active immune systems and bringing them
both back into balance.
Fucose also has a role in thwarting allergic skin reactions such
as dermatitis, killing bacteria and helping the body fight infection.
Ongoing research has shown promise in regards to cancer especially
by inhibiting and reversing leukemia and breast cancer. This also
includes the suppression of tumor growth as well.
Fucose can be found in seaweeds as wakame and kelp, several medicinal
mushrooms, beer yeast and glyconutrient supplements.
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