The term GAGs is shorthand for glycosaminoglycans, which are long, complex molecules made up of repeating sugar units. If a single sugar molecule is thought of as a train car, a glycosaminoglycan is the entire train.
Most glycosaminoglycans in the body are incorporated into proteoglycans, which play a critical role in providing structure and support to tissues. Proteoglycans are essential for the formation and maintenance of cartilage; one of the best-known examples is chondroitin sulfate. However, their role extends far beyond joints.
Proteoglycans are also important structural components of the intestinal lining. They help form the basement membrane, a specialized layer that anchors the epithelial cells of the intestine. These epithelial cells are responsible for digestion and absorption, while the basement membrane provides physical support and maintains the integrity and organization of the intestinal wall.
An article published in The Lancet (March 20, 1993; 341:730–731) reported that glycosaminoglycan composition is altered in chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Ongoing exposure to bacteria, viruses, dietary antigens, and oxidative stress can challenge the structural integrity of the intestinal lining. Glycosaminoglycans appear to play a protective role by supporting the basement membrane and helping regulate intestinal permeability, sometimes referred to as “leaky gut.”
