Origin and disposal of 1,5-anhydroglucitol, a major polyol in the human body

The origin and disposal of 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol (AG), one of the main polyols found in the human body, was studied in normal subjects and diabetic patients. AG was detected in various kinds of foods. The mean AG supplement through foods was estimated to be approximately 4.38 mg/day, which was compatible with that calculated in a food analysis (average 0.22 mg AG/100 kcal in Japanese foods) on eight healthy subjects. The mean AG excretion in urine was approximately 4.76 mg/day in these subjects. Excretion into stools was negligible. From observations on the patients without oral supplement of AG, 0.4 mg of daily de novo synthesis of AG was strongly suggested. It was also implied that urinary AG excretion occurred soon after food ingestion and that its amount was closely correlated with daily supplement through foods. Thus the fundamental kinetics of AG were recognized as follows: 1) AG in the body originates mainly from foods and is well absorbed in the intestine, 2) AG is little degraded and metabolized in the body, and 3) an equilibrium exists between oral supplement plus a small but steady amount of de novo synthesis and excretion in urine.