Polysaccharides √
Polysaccharides are long-chain carbohydrates that are monosaccharides connected by glycosidic bonds.
Chitin (ky-tin) in mushrooms is a structural polysaccharide with a molecular formula (C8H13O5N)n
Medicinal mushrooms naturally occurring non-startch polysaccharides are a good source of fiber and are low in calories.
Saccharides aka Carbohydrates
Saccharides (“sweet”) are molecular compounds made from three elements: carbon, hydrogen and oxygen which gives rise to their synonym, carbohydrates. Saccharides include sugars, starch and cellulose. The smaller saccharides (lower molecular weight) monosaccharides and disaccharides are usually referred to as sugars.
Monosaccharides
Monosaccharides (mono – one, saccharides – sweet) are simple sugars. The have the molecular formula (CH2O)n where n is the number of carbons. Glucose, galactose and fructose are examples of monosaccharides.
Glycosidic Bonds
A glucosidic bond or glucosidic linkage joins a mono-sccharide to another compound.
Saccharides
Polysaccharides Oligosaccharides Disaccharides Monosaccharides
Summary
The significant medicinal mushroom ß-glucans values must be specifically listed on labels and not catchall terms such as Glucans or Polysaccharides. The addition listing of α-glucans is not necessary and may lead to confusion. The goal is to standardize medicinal mushrooms on the priority medicinal compounds and holistic structure.
