N-Acetylglucosamine

N-Acetyl glucosamine is one of the forms of glucosamine, a chemical that is naturally found in the body. N-Acetyl glucosamine can come from other natural sources like outer shells of shellfishes, as well as synthetic sources.
See also : Glucosamine

Special Precautions of N-Acetylglucosamine

• Hypersensitivity Reactions : Among the various food allergies, shellfish allergy is one of the most common, notes MayoClinic.com. N-acetyl glucosamine comes from shellfish sources, which include marine animals such as clams, shrimps, lobsters, squid and octopus. The characteristics of allergic or hypersensitivity reactions to N-Acetyl glucosamine include skin rashes, itching, nasal congestion, wheezing and a tingling sensation in the mouth. During severe cases, hypersensitivity reactions also called anaphylaxis can become fatal and life threatening. During an anaphylactic reaction, air passages are blocked and the patient may experience difficulty breathing. This severe allergic reaction requires immediate treatment in the emergency room as epinephrine injections may be necessary.
• Asthma Exacerbation : Patients with asthma taking N-Acetyl glucosamine may experience asthma attacks and worsening of symptoms. Asthma, which is a chronic respiratory disease that makes the air passages swell and narrow, affects breathing and oxygenation, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Asthmatic patients can potentially experience asthma exacerbation when taking N-acetyl glucosamine in adequate or excessive amounts. High concentrations of glucosamine antibodies are found in the lungs of asthmatic patients. These antibodies can possibly contribute to asthma attacks and exacerbations. Asthma can also develop as a form of hypersensitivity reactions for patients who are allergic.
• Bleeding and bruising are among the potential side effects of N-Acetyl glucosamine, according to MedlinePlus. Patients who have bleeding tendencies and clotting disorders should be careful and cautious when using glucosamine supplements since glucosamine possibly affects blood clotting by slowing it down. For patients taking anti-clotting and anti-platelet drugs, such as warfarin and coumadine, glucosamine should only be taken under a doctor's supervision to prevent bleeding incidents. Short-term and long-term N-acetyl glucosamine intake is generally well tolerated by most age groups.

Health Benefits and uses of N-Acetylglucosamine are

N-Acetyl-Glucosamine (NAG) is a special form of glucosamine that is not only the precursor to hyaluronic acid but also reduces inflammation and extends life of important skin cells.

• NAG is best known for its role in digestive health. It is used by the cells lining your digestive tract (epithelial cells) to produce a protective “slippery” barrier of mucous that helps protect your digestive lining from potentially hostile contents. When NAG is lacking in the digestive tract then digestive inflammation and indigestion of various foods are much more likely. Since your digestive tract has such a high need for NAG it will take it from other areas of the body when in need, which can readily cause dry eyes, mouth, lips, or skin.
• Since NAG helps make hyaluronic acid it is also useful to assist joint lubrication, disc hydration, eye health, and skin health – other areas that rely on hyaluronic acid for optimal health.
• Fibroblasts are carpenter cells that synthesize collagen and connective tissue to regenerate body structure. They are highly concentrated in skin to assist the continual process of skin rejuvenation – which slows and becomes inefficient with age. Fibroblasts are particularly fond of NAG, using it not only as a raw material for building but also as a regulator of health.
• One of the stressors for skin, especially during aging, is too much UV radiation that may overload an impaired antioxidant system in older and less efficient skin. One study has found that NAG reduces the amount of free radical damage from UV radiation to fibroblasts, in turn preventing the activation of enzymes that break down skin collagen and accelerate skin aging. Another study shows that NAG increases the rate that skin fibroblasts make hyaluronic acid and collagen, while simultaneously lowering inflammation in skin. The researchers noted that aging fibroblasts exhibited more youthful behavior under the influence of NAG, much less likely to “retire” from useful service. The researchers concluded that “NAG-induced changes in the skin fibroblasts’ properties maybe important for prevention of the age-dependent changes in its structure and function.”
• N-acetylglucosamine could open the doorway to new treatments for a host of autoimmune disorders.
  • MS : researchers say it can help correct the problems that cause the immune system to start attacking itself in MS patients.
  • In one study, for example, eight of 12 kids suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) saw significant improvements — and no serious side effects — after two years of N-acetylglucosamine supplements.