Ambrotose and Down Syndrome
by Dr. Len Leshin, MD, FAAP
Since there is no research that has been done specifically on Ambrotose® and children with Down syndrome, I will address the theories behind the product as presented on the website glycoscience.com.
First, some quick background: most proteins in cell membranes and proteins secreted by cells contain carbohydrates. The act of adding a carbohydrate to a protein is called glycosylation, and this makes fundamental changes to the physical traits of the protein. These combinations are then called glycoproteins. These special proteins play a major role in the immune system, especially in cell recognition.
People who wish to sell Ambrotose® point out correctly that we are learning more and more about how these glycoproteins contribute to disease. (An article in the July 2002 issue of Scientific American has a very good review of the subject.) However, what they don't tell you is that these diseases and conditions have not been shown to be due to dietary deficiencies. For instance, it is true that more and more infants are being diagnosed with disorders with protein glycosylation, but these are due to genetic mutations in enzymes involved in the process. In some conditions of faulty glycosylation it may be possible to treat these with certain sugars, but only in a correct ratio tailored for each individual condition. Ambrotose merchants respond that the Ambrotose® isn't designed to treat any condition, but to provide the body with "necessary building blocks" so the body can repair itself. This argument is based on one supposition: that we don't get enough of these sugars in our diet.
Of the eight sugars present in Ambrotose®, Mannatech claims that only glucose and galactose are found in the foods we eat; the other "rare" sugars ("glyconutrients") are no longer in our diet due to overworking of the soil, overprocessing of foods, etc. I have yet to find any facts that back up this assertion. But even if it were true, as long as we eat carbohydrates in a varied diet (fruits, vegetables and grains), our bodies can take these complex sugars and convert them to the other forms we need. Ambrotose® Associates often respond to this point by claiming that relying on our normal metabolism to create the necessary compounds instead of eating them increases the risk of metabolic errors, but I find no scientific evidence that this is a problem.
On the glycoscience.com website, there are many references offered to give credence to the arguments given for using Ambrotose®. In looking at these references, I find many that have not been published in peer-review journals, and most of the studies that were don't actually back up the claims made. I've found general, sweeping statements made about biochemistry being referenced to a study that really doesn't apply to the statement, or quotes taken out of context of the referenced article. This alone fails to inspire my faith in this product.
When you add all these concerns to the absence of specific research on Ambrotose® and Down syndrome, I cannot recommend any child with DS receiving this product.
And to any Mannatech Associates or users who feel the need to email me about how little I know about the science, please read this article first: A 'Glyconutrient Sham.' Schnaar, Freeze. Glycobiology, 18(9):652-657, 2008.
Addendum: In 2007, the State of Texas filed suit against Mannatech, Inc., charging that the company is operating an illegal marketing scheme. The suit alleged that the company encouraged false statements made by salespeople that claimed Mannatech products could cure cancer and other serious illnesses. It claimed that the company violates the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and the Texas Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. In Feb. 2009, Mannatech agreed to settle the lawsuit by paying a fine of 6 million dollars and enforce rules against salespeople making such claims. Additionally, Sam Caster, the company’s founder, former CEO and biggest shareholder, agreed to pay a 1 million dollar civil penalty. (WSJ, 2/27/09)