Mucopolysaccharides

Mucopolysaccharides are any of a group of polysaccharides containing amino sugars, such as glucosamine, together with a uronic acid residue. They can have gel-like properties, since their structure allows significant water sorption, binding many times their weight in water. Examples include hyaluronic acid and chondroitin. They are synthesized by certain microorganisms, but they are also present in the cartilage of meat and fish. They can affect the viscosity of fermented foods such as yogurts, influencing texture and mouthfeel, and in nutrition they are studied as components of joint-health supplements derived from animal cartilage.