Human glycosylation disorders and sugar supplement therapy.

Some genetic defects in protein glycosylation can be treated effectively with dietary supplements of monosaccharides. An easy screening test and non-toxic therapy for potentially lethal disorders should encourage physicians to search for more patients with glycosylation disorders. It should also stimulate research on the occurrence and availability of monosaccharides used for glycoconjugate synthesis and for vertebrate models to study their utilization.