Glucosamine Supplements (NAG)
Description
N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG) is produced by first combining glucose with glutamine (an amino acid) to form glucosamine. An acetyl group is next added, then the final product is trimmed into N-acetyl-glucosamine. NAG is a water soluble, stable molecule. It is absorbed by passive diffusion in the intestine at a faster rate than the plain aminosugars. It stays in the blood for several hours, and is incorporated into mucus membranes. Little is excreted.
NAG is used in diseased damaged tissues where there is a fast turnover rate, and an extra demand on biosynthetic processes. It is responsible for tissue repair and wound healing.
Method of Action
NAG acts as the glue of the tissues, especially in connective tissues. It attracts water and forms huge hydrated gels which fill up the space between cells. Due to the NAG surrounding cells, tissues are able to withstand greater amounts of compression and stretching. It regulates the flow of molecules and nutrients into and out of cells from the blood stream. It is found in mucous membranes of digestive, genitourinary, respiratory tracts and is responsible for keeping microorganisms out of cells.
NAG is also involved in synthesis and proper use of collagen and production of immunological substances.
Therapeutic Approaches
NAG can be taken orally and is readily absorbed and incorporated into mucous membranes and other “glue”-like structures, particularly the gut. This provides a simple way to by-pass defective, or energy consuming steps and provide the body with a quick source of ready-made precursors needed to repair injured tissues or replace mucus membranes.
NAG is in great demand by the body’s mucus membranes in cases of : asthma, food allergies, respiratory allergies, vaginitis and candidiasis. To repair the bone matrix and hyaline cartilage in: skin problems, tendonitis, bursitis and osteoporosis. Also, because of its role in the production of immunological substances, NAG may be important for disorders like: lupus, myasthenia gravis and thyroid disorders. Furthermore, gastro-intestinal disorders, possibly related to stress, include: IBD, Crohn’s disease, IBS and dysbiosis. Even fertility requires NAG for the proper viscosity of seminal fluid and cervical mucus.
Toxicity Factors
NAG is a stable, tasteless and water soluble amino sugar. Very little is excreted. There are no reports of toxicity, other than minor side-effects usually involving the digestive system: nausea, vomiting etc.
References
Alberts, B., et al. the Molecular Biology of the Cell. 1983. New York: Garland Publishing, Inc. pp 702-715
Ackerson, A. and Resnick, C. 1993. The effects of L-Glutamine, N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine, Gamma-Linoleic Acid, and Gamma-Oryzanol on Intestinal Permeability. Townsend Letter for Doctors, Jan: 20-23.
Burton, A.F. and Anderson, F.H. 1983. Decreased Incorporation of C-Glucosamine relative to H-N-Acetyl Glucosamine in the Intestinal Mucosa of Patients with Inflammatory bowel Disease. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 78 (1): 19-22.
Crisafi, D.J. 1992. N-Acetyl-Glucosamine: Is it the next miracle nutrient? Business Journal. October pp 7-8.
Flynn, R. NAG (N-Acetyl-Glucosamine).
Martin, D.W. Glycoproteins, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans. In Lennarz, W.J. The Biochemistry of Glycoproteins and Proteoglycans. 1980, Plenum.
Zhang-K; Petty-HR Influence of polysaccharides on neutrophil function: specific antagonists suggest a model for cooperative saccharide-associated inhibition of immune complex-triggered superoxide production. J-Cell-Biochem. 1994 Oct; 56(2): 225-35.
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