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What Is the Endothelial Glycocalyx (EGX)? Quick Facts Guide

The endothelial glycocalyx (EGX) is a delicate, micro-thin lining that coats the inside of every blood vessel in your body. Only recently discovered and often overlooked, it is foundational to vascular health and total-body vitality.*

 

Acting as a semi-permeable barrier and the first line of defense for the endothelial wall, the EGX helps maintain healthy circulation and supports nutrient delivery to every organ.

 

Key takeaways

 

  • The endothelial glycocalyx (EGX) is the micro-thin inner lining of every blood vessel.
  • It works as a semi-permeable barrier and gatekeeper, helping maintain healthy blood flow and circulation.
  • Everyday habits including a low-glycemic, low-salt diet, regular movement, stress management, and healthy sleep all support a healthy glycocalyx.
  • Rhamnan sulfate, a compound from the rare green seaweed Monostroma nitidum, supports the EGX. It is delivered as MonitumRS® in Arterosil HP®.
  • MonitumRS is scientifically shown to protect and restore the endothelial glycocalyx.*†

What does the endothelial glycocalyx do?

The endothelial glycocalyx performs several functions that support vascular health. It:*

 

  • Acts as a semi-permeable barrier and the first line of defense for the endothelial wall
  • Helps regulate what passes into vessel walls (vascular permeability)
  • Triggers nitric oxide for blood flow and flexibility
  • Houses a powerful antioxidant, superoxide dismutase (SOD)
  • Senses blood flow and helps maintain healthy circulation
  • Supports sensitive barriers, including the blood-brain barrier

 

Because it lines all 60,000 miles of blood vessels in the human body, the EGX is a key gatekeeper for vascular and systemic health.*

Why is the endothelial glycocalyx important for vascular health?

A healthy endothelial glycocalyx is foundational to circulation and whole-body wellness. It helps maintain resilient blood flow, supports optimal organ function, and helps maintain the health of the entire endothelium.

 

Protecting this structure is essential to maintaining resilient blood flow, cardiovascular health, and systemic vitality.

What supports a healthy endothelial glycocalyx?

Everyday habits and specific ingredients can support the structure and normal functions of the EGX.

Daily habits that support the EGX

  • Eat a low-glycemic, low-salt diet, like the DASH diet
  • Choose a diet with antioxidant properties to support vascular resilience
  • Move regularly — exercise stimulates blood flow and supports cardiovascular and overall health. The AHA recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity per week
  • Keep a healthy sleep routine and practice mindfulness to support overall wellness

Ingredients that support the EGX

One compound studied for glycocalyx support is rhamnan sulfate, a specialized sulfated polysaccharide from the rare green seaweed Monostroma nitidum. It is delivered as MonitumRS, a proprietary and patented extract found in Arterosil HP.

Can supplements support the endothelial glycocalyx?

Yes. Arterosil HP with MonitumRS is formulated to support the endothelial glycocalyx (EGX), the inner lining of every blood vessel.*

 

Arterosil HP contains MonitumRS, a proprietary extract of rhamnan sulfate from Monostroma nitidum. MonitumRS is scientifically shown to protect and restore the endothelial glycocalyx.*†

 

Benefits of Arterosil HP® include:

 

  • Supports a healthy heart*
  • Supports vascular integrity and healthy circulation, helping blood move where it’s needed*
  • Helps maintain healthy arteries, supporting cardiovascular resilience over time*
  • Strengthens the endothelial glycocalyx, the body’s vascular foundation, critical for energy, endurance, and healthy aging*

 

Arterosil HP with MonitumRS also helps maintain the entire endothelium, helps regulate many of its key functions, and supports the barrier function of the endothelial glycocalyx (EGX).

 

Explore Arterosil HP® with MonitumRS® · See how MonitumRS is made

The research behind the endothelial glycocalyx

The EGX is one of the most active areas of vascular science, and rhamnan sulfate from Monostroma nitidum continues to be studied for its role in supporting it. Explore the research below.

 

Frequently asked questions

What is the endothelial glycocalyx (EGX)? The endothelial glycocalyx (EGX) is a delicate, micro-thin lining that coats the inside of every blood vessel in your body. It is foundational to vascular health and total-body vitality.*

 

How can I support my endothelial glycocalyx? Support the EGX with everyday habits — a low-glycemic, low-salt diet, a diet with antioxidant properties, regular movement, healthy sleep, and with rhamnan sulfate, delivered as MonitumRS in Arterosil HP.*

 

What ingredients support the endothelial glycocalyx? Rhamnan sulfate, a specialized sulfated polysaccharide from the rare green seaweed Monostroma nitidum, supports the EGX. It is delivered as MonitumRS in Arterosil HP.*

 

Can supplements support the endothelial glycocalyx? Yes. Arterosil HP with MonitumRS supports the endothelial glycocalyx, the inner lining of every blood vessel. MonitumRS is scientifically shown to protect and restore the endothelial glycocalyx.*†

 

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

 

† As demonstrated in an independent third-party laboratory in vitro study.