Glandulars

This is a term used for dietary supplements consisting of dried, powdered, usually raw animal glands and other organs such as ovaries, adrenals, thyroid and pancreas. The active hormone is removed before the product is made into a supplement. Glandular supplements are used to help combat weakness or underactivity of the human glands in question, by providing the closest possible match of raw materials for repair purposes. Advocates of glandular therapy believe that it is the specific nucleic acid (RNA and DNA) content of glandular products which accounts for their treatment successes. If so, this must be reconciled with the commonly held scientific view that nucleic acids do not survive the digestive process.

Availability: Not readily available in UK health food shops. May be prescribed by some nutritional therapists or other natural practitioners.

Glauber's salts

This is another name for crystals of sodium sulphate, which are often used for their laxative effect in a similar way to Epsom salts.

Glucagon (see Blood sugar)

Gluconates (see Chelates)

Gluconeogenesis

The formation of glucose from sources such as lactate, amino acids and the glycerol portion of fats. Gluconeogenesis takes place in the liver when glycogen (stored glucose) is depleted, in order to help maintain blood sugar levels.

Glucosamine sulphate

Glucosamine is a type of nutrient known as an 'amino sugar'. It is converted into larger molecules that go to make up connective tissue. Clinical trials and studies have shown that when taken as a dietary supplement, glucosamine combined with sulphate can help to prevent the breakdown of cartilage which occurs in osteoarthritis. Glucosamine sulphate is taken up by joint tissue, stimulates the production of glycoaminoglycans (the building blocks of cartilage), and can reduce joint pain, tenderness and swelling, allowing joint movement to increase. The supplement is often given with vitamin C and the amino acid tyrosine to optimize its action.

Availability: From health food shops and nutritional therapists.

Glucose (see Carbohydrates)

Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF)

See Chromium

Glucuronic acid

A substance derived from glucose, which can combine with chemical and bacterial toxins and convert them to a form ready for excretion.