Nutritional information on N-Acetyl D-Glucosamine

Author : John Gibb 

What is N-Acetyl D-Glucosamine

N-Acetyl D-Glucosamine is identified by a number of names and acronyms. It is called Chitin and acetylglucosamine. Glucosamine N-acetyl, NAG, Poly-NAG are all names used for this amino sugar. It is the acetylated derivative of the amino sugar glucosamine. The amino acid is connected with cartilage prostoglycans.

There are two sources of acetyl-glucosamine. It comes from the exoskeletons of marine animals. The amino acid can also be produced synthetically. No matter its source, it is important for the human body.

Glucosamine is necessary for the synthesis (absorption) of glycoproteins, glycolipids, and glycosaminoglycans (also called mucopolysaccharides). Glucosamine does not affect the pharmakinetics of glucose, insulin, or blood glucose levels. These are carbohydrate containing compounds that are found in the tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and synovial fluid. They are also found in mucous membranes, structures in the eye, blood vessels, and heart valves.

Glucosamine is also a component of bioactive substances that include heparin.

N-Acetyl D-Glucosamine benefits

NAG is beneficial in the treatment of osteoarthritis. It helps to stimulate the metabolism of chondrocytes in the articular cartilage cells. The nutrient does this for synovial tissue cells as well.

There may be disease modify effects in NAG. This is done by the stopping or slowing down of problems like osteoarthritis. It does not however, have a direct affect on cycloxygenase that is responsible for anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. In inflammatory bowel disease, NAG is deficient which possibly reduces the synthesis of gastiric and intestinal mucosa’s protective cover.

There are some side effects when taking NAG. It may cause reactions in people who are allergic to shellfish. This is because of the fact it is found in the exoskeleton of shellfish. No reports of toxicity are known but it should be used with the consultation of a physician and with caution.

As always, women who are pregnant or nursing should consult with a doctor before starting any new supplementation.

The recommended daily dosage has not been set for this nutrient but we recommend you steer towards a low dosage rather than a high dosage to be on the safe side.

Our Tip on Choosing an N-Acetylcysteine Product

Dietary supplements in the U.S. and other places in the world are largely unregulated, and many companies, both government and private have shown that consumers of health products only have a 1 in 5 chance of buying a product that actually contains the amount of ingredients stated on the product label, or worse still, a product that is not contaminated with harmful toxins.