N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine (Amino Acid)

HealthWise® N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine 150g

• 100% pure powder
• pharmaceutical grade
• N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine
• packed without fillers or flowing agents

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N-acetyl D glucosamine (NAG) is a type of monosaccharide that is also related to glucose and is chemically similar to glucosamine. However, unlike glucose, N-acetyl glucosamine is not really a sugar but belongs to a class of compounds called amides, although it is commonly described as a carbohydrate.

NAG occurs naturally in the outer shells of certain insects and shellfish and is synthesized from the reaction between glucosamine and acetic acid. Although NAG can be found in certain cosmetic products where it is used as an exfoliating and anti-wrinkle agent, its main use is as a dietary supplement in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

IBS, Crohn’s and Colitis

The protective wall of the GIT incorporates N-acetyl glucosamine. NAG shows promise in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (a class of conditions that includes Crohn’s disease, from impaired innate immunity which is an abnormal immune response to microbial invasion, and for colitis), according to a pilot study published in Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics in 2000. Testing on children with severe Crohn’s disease and severe ulcerative colitis were conducted. Researchers found that daily treatment with N-acetyl glucosamine led to a significant improvement in symptoms and a decrease of inflammation in damaged soft tissue of the GIT in these children.

Auto Immune disease

A 2011 study from the Journal of Biological Chemistry indicates that N-acetyl glucosamine may help suppress the destructive autoimmune response involved in multiple sclerosis.  As Glucosamine Sulphate and HCL are also currently used in the treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis, it would be logical to assume that NAG could be used as it suppresses the auto immune response as well as exerts anti inflammatory effects.

How it works

NAG is the more direct route to the important macromolecules such as hyaluronic acid, keratin sulfate and chondroitin sulfate. Unlike the low-molecular glucosamine found in glucosamine sulfate or glucosamine hydrochloride, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine is an advanced molecule that requires fewer enzymatic steps before being incorporated into the macromolecules of cartilage. Given that N-acetyl glucosamine saves the user several
biochemical steps involved in the conversion of glucose-6-phosphate to N-acetyl glucosamine, it makes an effective product for the treatment of Crohn’s disease for example.

Tissue biopsies taken from gastrointestinal tracts of Crohn’s patients showed decreased glucosamine synthetase activity in the inflamed tissues. Because of the loss of this important structural carbohydrate, the inflamed tissues experience rapid loss of epithelial cells.

Suitable for Diabetics

NAG does not interfere with glucose metabolism. Low-molecular glucosamine, as in glucosamine sulfate or glucosamine hydrochloride, has been associated with glucose uptake in patients. This probably occurs because low-molecular-weight glucosamine inhibits glucokinase.  Because N-acetyl-D-glucosamine has its own kinase it is not dependent on glucokinase and does not cause a rise in glucose levels when consumed.

Note on Shellfish allergy

Shellfish allergy is triggered by the meat of seafood and not by their shells. Therefore, shellfish allergy does not involve chitin or N-acetyl glucosamine. This means that those with shellfish allergy call safely take the supplement.

Contra Indications

How safe is N-acetyl glucosamine? The results of current safety studies suggest that N-acetyl glucosamine is very safe. However, N-acetyl glucosamine is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as those who are about to undergo surgery.  It should be used cautiously by patients who also suffer from asthma, bleeding disorders and kidney problems.  N-acetyl glucosamine should not be combined with anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin.

Side Effects

None noted

Dosage
3-6 gram daily in divided doses. NAG dissolves readily and is heat stable, so can be added to hot beverages.

Please note: This product is sold as a Food Only.
For specific conditions please consult your healthcare professional or ask one of our professional natural health practitioners here.