Sedoheptulose
Sedoheptulose or D-altro-heptulose is a ketoheptose—a monosaccharide with seven carbon atoms and a ketone functional group. It is one of the few heptoses found in nature, and is found in various fruits and vegetables ranging from carrots and leeks to figs, mangos and avocados.
It is an intermediate in respiratory and photosynthetic pathways and plays a vital role in the non-oxidative branch of the pentose phosphate pathway.
Studies have shown that sedoheptulose is able to reduce pro-inflammatory markers in vitro such as interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein and thus might be able reduce low-level inflammation in humans.
Furthermore, the absence of dietary sedoheptulose and related heptoses can trigger the development of cystinosis when coupled with a rare genetic defect.
