N-Acetylglucosamine: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
2-acetamido-2-deoxy-b2-D-glucose
Scientific name(s)
2-acetamido-2-deoxy-b2-D-glucose
Family or group:
Carbohydrates
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Osteoarthritis ✪✪✪✪✪
Many clinical trials have used glucosamine and its derivatives, such as glucosamine sulfate and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, to treat patients suffering from joint disorders, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cartilage injuries, and degenerative joint diseases. Preparations containing GlcNAc are administered via parenteral, oral, and topical routes. A dose of 100 mg/day was used orally.
Posologie
Oral route
100 mg
Inhibition of elastase enzyme release from human polymorphonuclear leukocytes by N-acetyl-galactosamine and N-acetyl-glucosamine.
Oral polymeric N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and osteoarthritis
N-acetylglucosamine: production and applications
Pilot study of oral polymeric N-acetyl-D-glucosamine as a potential treatment for patients with osteoarthritis
Skin Lightening ✪✪✪✪✪
A clinical study involving women aged 40 to 60 with skin hyperpigmentation and solar lentigines primarily due to aging and sun exposure, shows that applying a cream containing 2% N-acetylglucosamine and 4% niacinamide on the face twice daily with sunscreen for 10 weeks reduces facial hyperpigmentation compared to sunscreen alone. The effect of N-acetylglucosamine alone is not clear.
Posologie
Topical route
Synergies
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation after use of moisturizers with a combination of topical niacinamide and N-acetyl glucosamine: results of a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled trial
Genomic expression changes induced by topical N-acetyl glucosamine in skin equivalent cultures in vitro
Bone Health ✪✪✪✪✪
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 68 healthy subjects without arthritis symptoms. Participants were recruited and randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or N-Acetylglucosamine (at 500 or 1,000 mg/day) for 16 weeks. Results showed that oral administration of GlcNAc improves cartilage metabolism in healthy subjects without apparent adverse effects.
Posologie
Oral route
500 - 1000 mg
Effect of N-acetylglucosamine administration on cartilage metabolism and safety in healthy subjects without symptoms of arthritis: A case report
N-acetylglucosamine: production and applications
Skin Health ✪✪✪✪✪
Hyaluronic acid (HA), which is primarily produced by fibroblasts and keratinocytes, is a well-known ingredient that retains water in the stratum corneum and dermis. However, it is inefficiently absorbed through topical or oral administration due to its high molecular weight. Adding GlcNAc, which is the building block of hyaluronic acid (HA), to cultured keratinocytes results in a dose-dependent increase in HA production.
Posologie
Oral route
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
Effect of different concentrations of collagen, ceramides, N-acetyl glucosamine, or their mixture on enhancing the proliferation of keratinocytes, fibroblasts and the secretion of collagen and/or the expression of mRNA of type I collagen
N-acetylglucosamine: production and applications
Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Diseases ✪✪✪✪✪
A clinical study in children aged 8 to 17 with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis not responding to conventional treatment suggests that oral or rectal N-acetylglucosamine (total daily dose of 3 to 6 g) could reduce symptoms. The validity of this result is limited by the absence of a control group.
Posologie
Rectal, oral route
3 - 6 g
Wrinkles ✪✪✪✪✪
Due to the versatile functions of GlcNAc, it is considered a valuable ingredient in cosmetics to improve wrinkles and skin color. Indeed, the hyaluronic acid (HA) content decreases with age, which could contribute to wrinkle formation and decreased skin elasticity. Adding GlcNAc to cultured keratinocytes results in increased hyaluronic acid production.
Posologie
Topical route
Effect of different concentrations of collagen, ceramides, N-acetyl glucosamine, or their mixture on enhancing the proliferation of keratinocytes, fibroblasts and the secretion of collagen and/or the expression of mRNA of type I collagen
Wound ✪✪✪✪✪
It has been demonstrated that glucosamine accelerates wound healing by stimulating the synthesis of hyaluronic acid.
Posologie
Topical route
Properties
Anti-inflammatory
It has been shown in vitro that glucosamine and N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) inhibit the production of nitric oxide, induced by IL-1 3b2 and TNF- 3b1 (inflammatory cytokines) in normal human articular chondrocytes (cartilage cells). Additionally, N-acetylglucosamine inhibits the production of cyclooxygenase-2 and IL-6 (which are involved in inflammatory reactions). Numerous clinical trials have shown that GlcNAc significantly helps prevent joint damage in patients suffering from inflammatory joint disorders such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Usages associés
Dermatological Effect
In an in vitro study, the addition of N-acetylglucosamine to keratinocytes (epidermis cells) in culture led to a dose-dependent increase in hyaluronic acid production. This enables water retention in the stratum corneum and dermis, preventing wrinkle formation and decreased skin elasticity. In addition to its moisturizing effects, in vitro studies have shown that GlcNAc reduces facial hyperpigmentation by decreasing melanin production.
Usages associés
Digestive Effect
GlcNAc is capable of increasing the release of mucopolysaccharides (constituents with great elasticity due to their ability to absorb water) by fibroblasts (connective tissue cells) and restoring the protective structure of the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, GlcNAc increases the elasticity of perivascular tissues, leading to increased arterio-capillary blood flow, and acts as a protector of normal mucosal membrane function in humans.
Usages associés
Healing
GlcNAc promotes the proliferation of keratinocytes (epidermis cells) and fibroblasts (cells present in connective tissue) and increases hyaluronic acid production in the skin, which supports wound healing.
Usages associés
Safety dosage
Adult: 100 mg - 1000 mg
The typical dosage of N-acetylglucosamine is not available. It has been used safely up to a dose of 1g per day orally and 6g rectally. A cream with 2% N-acetylglucosamine has been used safely for up to 10 weeks.
Interactions
Médicaments
Warfarin: strong interaction
Glucosamine could increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Precautions
Pregnant women: avoid
Avoid use due to lack of reliable and sufficient information.
Breastfeeding women: avoid
Avoid use due to lack of reliable and sufficient information.
