Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs)

11 Nov 2024 13:15:42 pm

Tags : Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs)

Topic: Processed Foods

Why in the news?

A diet rich in “advanced glycation end products (AGEs)”, which includes ultra-processed and fast food, is among the leading cause of India being the world’s diabetic capital, notes a first-of-its-kind clinical trial finding published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition recently.

Source: The Hindu

About Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs):

Also known as glycotoxins, these are harmful molecules formed by the glycation and oxidation of lipids and proteins.
- Glycation is the process of combining other molecules with sugars.
- Oxidation is the process of combining other molecules with oxygen.
AGEs are formed in your body by metabolism, but the major source of AGEs is food.
They are formed in food by grilling, toasting, roasting, broiling, frying, and other high-temperature cooking.
Tobacco use is yet another source of AGEs.
AGEs are present in the body at all times.
- Their production in the body increases with age.
- At low levels, they don\'t cause significant injury.
- However, they cause cell and tissue damage when they reach high concentrations.
AGEs combine with receptors located on blood vessels and several other organs to cause damage to organ systems.
They can impact the function of proteins within the cells, alter the behavior of hormones, cytokines, and free radicals, and modify the extracellular matrix between cells.
They activate inflammatory and other destructive processes in many systems of your body.
They are involved in the development of various chronic inflammatory diseases such as type II diabetes mellitus, vascular and cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and arthritis.
Hyperglycemia (high blood levels of glucose) is one condition associated with more AGE production, causing blood vessel damage in people with diabetes.