Glycosaminoglycans

What are glycosaminoglycans?

Glycosaminoglycans are polysaccharides composed of N-acetylglucosamine or N-acetylgalactosamine and glucuronic or idonic acid. They include:

• Hyaluronic acid
• Chondroitin sulfates
• Dermatan sulfates
• Keratan sulfates
• Heparan sulfates

Certain synthetic glycosaminoglycans, such as chondroitin sulfate, are sold as nutritional supplements.

Function of Glycosaminoglycans in the Human Body

In the human body, glycosaminoglycans are part of mucopolysaccharides, which are viscous compounds found in the connective tissue: in the cartilage, tendons, joint fluid and joint sheets, between the muscle fibers, around the internal organs, in the vessels and skin, where they form a hydrated gel that can resist compression. They are also found in cell membranes.