N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG)

Overview

N-acetyl glucosamine is a chemical that comes from the outer shells of shellfish. It can also be made in labs.

Don't confuse N-acetyl glucosamine with other forms of glucosamine, such as glucosamine hydrochloride or glucosamine sulfate. They may not have the same effects.

Read glucosamine product labels carefully for their content. Most glucosamine products contain glucosamine sulfate or glucosamine hydrochloride. Although glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride are marketed together in combination products with N-acetyl glucosamine, there haven't been any human studies that have evaluated these combinations for treating osteoarthritis.

You may also see chitosan as an ingredient in some glucosamine products. Chitosan is a form of N-acetyl glucosamine that has been chemically altered.

N-acetyl glucosamine is used for osteoarthritis, aging skin, knee pain, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Classification

Is a Form Of:

Chemical

Primary Functions:

Osteoarthritis, aging skin, knee pain

Also Known As:

GlcNAc, Glucosamine, Glucosamine-6-phosphate, Glucosamine N-Acetyl

How Does It Work?

N-acetyl glucosamine might help protect the lining of the stomach and intestines.

Uses

  • Aging skin. Early research shows that applying a cream containing 2% N-acetyl glucosamine and 4% niacinamide to the face decreases dark spots caused by aging and sun exposure. It's unclear if applying a cream containing only N-acetyl glucosamine would have the same effect.
  • Heart disease. People who take glucosamine might have a lower risk of developing heart disease. But it's unclear what dose or form of glucosamine might work best. Other forms of glucosamine include glucosamine hydrochloride and glucosamine sulfate. It's also unclear if this lower risk is from glucosamine or from following healthier lifestyle habits.
  • Long-term swelling (inflammation) in the digestive tract (inflammatory bowel disease or IBD). There is some early evidence that N-acetyl glucosamine taken by mouth or rectally might decrease symptoms of IBD in children with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
  • Knee pain. Early research shows that taking N-acetyl glucosamine along with chondroitin sulfate does not relieve pain in middle-aged and older adults with long-term knee pain.
  • Stroke. People who take glucosamine might have a slightly lower risk of having a stroke. But it's unclear what dose or form of glucosamine might work best. Other forms of glucosamine include glucosamine hydrochloride and glucosamine sulfate. It's also unclear if this lower risk is from glucosamine or from following healthier lifestyle habits.
  • Osteoarthritis.
  • Other conditions.

Recommended Dosing

The appropriate dose of N-acetyl glucosamine depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for N-acetyl glucosamine. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG) Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What is N acetyl glucosamine used for?

N-acetyl glucosamine is used for osteoarthritis, aging skin, knee pain, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

What is nag supplement used for?

You may also see chitosan as an ingredient in some glucosamine products. Chitosan is a form of N-acetyl glucosamine that has been chemically altered. N-acetyl glucosamine is taken for osteoarthritis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

What should you not take with glucosamine?

There are reports that glucosamine may also reduce the effectiveness of certain drugs. So use caution when taking glucosamine if you take: acetaminophen (Tylenol) Certain chemotherapy drugs, including doxorubicin (Adriamycin, Rubex), etoposide (Etopiside), and teniposide (Vumon)

Where is N acetylglucosamine found?

Abstract. The amino sugar N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) is well known for the important structural roles that it plays at the cell surface. It is a key component of bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan, fungal cell wall chitin, and the extracellular matrix of animal cells.

Is it OK to take NAC everyday?

There is no recommended daily allowance for NAC, because unlike vitamins, it's not an essential nutrient. The dosage used to prevent radio contrast dye damage is 600 mg to 1200 mg every 12 hours for 48 hours.

Can glucosamine cause liver damage?

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Linked to Liver Problems

The use of products containing glucosamine and/or chondroitin sulfate has been linked to changes in liver function in people with chronic liver disease, a study reports. Glucosamine is a compound that is naturally made in humans.

Is N acetyl glucosamine the same as glucosamine?

N-acetyl glucosamine is a chemical that comes from the outer shells of shellfish. Don't confuse N-acetyl glucosamine with other forms of glucosamine, such as glucosamine hydrochloride or glucosamine sulfate. They may not have the same effects. Read glucosamine product labels carefully for their content.

Is turmeric better than glucosamine?

As Dr Sarah Brewer says, 'Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory. The turmeric helps your body to maintain a normal healthy inflammatory response, and the glucosamine has mild pain-relieving effects and cartilage-protective qualities.

What time of day should I take glucosamine?

In most studies on treating osteoarthritis, the typical dose was 500 milligrams of glucosamine sulfate, three times a day. Ask your doctor what he recommends for you. Some experts suggest you take it with meals to prevent an upset stomach.

s N acetylglucosamine a monosaccharide?

N-Acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), 2-acetamino-2-deoxy-β-d-glucose or 2-(acetylamino)-2-deoxy-d-glucose, is a monosaccharide derivative of glucose and is widely distributed worldwide. The molecular formula of this amino monosaccharide is C8H15NO6, and its molecular weight is 221.21.

Can glucosamine and turmeric be taken together?

Interactions between your drugs

No interactions were found between Glucosamine & Chondroitin with MSM and turmeric. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist.

Does glucosamine make you gain weight?

It turns out that most of the research had been done with glucosamine sulfate, the type of glucosamine I was taking. It turns out that glucosamine can cause weight gain or weight loss depending on your eating habits. In a high carb/low fat diet, it has the potential to cause weight gain.

Can glucosamine cause hair loss?

Common side effects may include: nausea, diarrhea, constipation; stomach pain, gas, bloating; hair loss.

Can you take too much glucosamine?

Glucosamine has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated. Common side effects are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. There is a risk for severe and life-threatening allergic reactions to glucosamine in people with shellfish allergy or those with asthma.

What are the side effects of taking glucosamine?

Glucosamine sulfate can cause some mild side effects including nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, and constipation. Uncommon side effects are drowsiness, skin reactions, and headache. When given as a shot: Glucosamine sulfate is POSSIBLY SAFE when injected into the muscle as a shot twice weekly for up to 6 weeks.

Can glucosamine raise your blood pressure?

High blood pressure: Early research suggests that glucosamine sulfate can increase insulin levels. This might cause blood pressure to increase. However, more reliable research suggests that glucosamine sulfate does not increase blood pressure.

Can glucosamine be bad for you?

Glucosamine may affect blood sugar and insulin levels. Animal studies show that glucosamine may further increase LDL "bad" cholesterol levels if you eat a lot of fatty foods. More research is needed. Glucosamine may interfere with some medicines.

What is Nag in biology?

Peptidoglycan or murein is a polymer consisting of sugars and amino acids that forms a mesh-like layer outside the plasma membrane of most bacteria, forming the cell wall. The sugar component consists of alternating residues of β-(1,4) linked N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) and N-acetylmuramic acid (NAM).

Which is better for joints glucosamine or collagen?

A patented collagen ingredient may be twice as effective as glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, according to results of randomized, double-blind study. The ingredient is often used in combination with chondroitin sulphate, extracted from animal cartilage, such as sharks.

Clinical Studies