N-acetyl D-glucosamine
Related Terms
- 2-Acetamido-2-deoxyglucose, acetylglucosamine, aminoglycoside, Arth-X Plus?, Artrox?, chitosamine, chitosan, D-glucosamine, D-glucosaminic acid, enhanced glucosamine sulfate, Flexi-Factors?, GlcN, GlcN-HCl, GlcN-S, glucosamine chlorohydrate, Glucosamine Complex?, glucosamine hydrochloride, glucosamine hydroiodide, Glucosamine Mega?, glucosamine N-acetyl, glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine sulphate, glucosamine-hydrochloride, glutamate, glutathione, Joint Factors?, N-acetylated low-molecular-weight chitosan, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (NAG, N-A-G), N-acetylglucosamine, Nutri-Joint?, poly-N-acetyl glucosamine, poly-NAG, Teoremac?, Ultra Maximum Strength Glucosamine Sulfate?.
- Note: Move Free? Advanced (glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, Uniflex proprietary extract), Tradamixina (Alga Ecklonia Bicyclis, Tribulus Terrestris, D-Glucosamine, and N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine).
Background
- Glucosamine is a compound that is naturally made in humans. It is involved in the creation of molecules that form cartilage.
- Evidence supports the use of glucosamine sulfate in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. It is believed that the sulfate portion may help strengthen cartilage. If this is confirmed, it would mean that the glucosamine sulfate form is more effective than glucosamine without sulfate.
- Glucosamine is often taken together with chondroitin, which comes from cartilage. The use of integrative therapies like glucosamine is often seen in people with osteoarthritis. These treatments may help reduce doses of drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs).
- Glucosamine has also been studied for possible benefits on wound healing, skin conditions such as psoriasis, and the prevention of migraine. More research is needed in these areas.
- Research shows that glucosamine is well tolerated for up to three years. However, people who are allergic to shellfish should avoid using it.
- There have been concerns about the effects of glucosamine on insulin and blood sugar. However, some recent studies suggest that glucosamine may not affect these measures. This remains an area of controversy.
Evidence Table
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
GRADE * |
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
GRADE * |
Evidence supports the use of glucosamine sulfate taken by mouth to treat knee osteoarthritis. Nearly all studies have used glucosamine sulfate supplied by Rotta Research Laboratorium, a manufacturer in Europe. It is unclear if glucosamine sold by other manufacturers are equally effective. Studies demonstrating a lack of efficacy have included people with severe osteoarthritis or used formulas other than glucosamine sulfate.
|
B |
Evidence supports the use of glucosamine sulfate taken by mouth to treat knee osteoarthritis. Nearly all studies have used glucosamine sulfate supplied by Rotta Research Laboratorium, a manufacturer in Europe. It is unclear if glucosamine sold by other manufacturers are equally effective. Studies demonstrating a lack of efficacy have included people with severe osteoarthritis or used formulas other than glucosamine sulfate.
|
B |
Several studies have found that glucosamine may benefit osteoarthritis in other body parts, aside from the knee. However, there is less evidence to support this compared to knee osteoarthritis. Knee osteoarthritis appears to respond better than other joints to any treatment. Overall, high-quality studies are lacking. More research is needed in this area.
|
B |
Several studies have found that glucosamine may benefit osteoarthritis in other body parts, aside from the knee. However, there is less evidence to support this compared to knee osteoarthritis. Knee osteoarthritis appears to respond better than other joints to any treatment. Overall, high-quality studies are lacking. More research is needed in this area.
|
B |
Preliminary evidence suggests that glucosamine with and without chondroitin sulfate may preserve articular cartilage, decrease pain, increase physical function, and enhance self-care activities in people with Kashin-Beck disease (KBD). Further research is needed.
|
C |
Preliminary evidence suggests that glucosamine with and without chondroitin sulfate may preserve articular cartilage, decrease pain, increase physical function, and enhance self-care activities in people with Kashin-Beck disease (KBD). Further research is needed.
|
C |
Glucosamine has been studied for chronic venous insufficiency, a disease in which there are problems sending blood back to the heart from the legs. Currently, there is a lack of evidence supporting the use of glucosamine for this disorder. More research is needed in this area.
|
C |
Glucosamine has been studied for chronic venous insufficiency, a disease in which there are problems sending blood back to the heart from the legs. Currently, there is a lack of evidence supporting the use of glucosamine for this disorder. More research is needed in this area.
|
C |
There is controversy regarding the effects of glucosamine on insulin and blood sugar. Despite concerns about the use of glucosamine in people with diabetes, some studies suggest that it may lack significant effects on insulin or blood sugar. Further research is needed in this area.
|
C |
There is controversy regarding the effects of glucosamine on insulin and blood sugar. Despite concerns about the use of glucosamine in people with diabetes, some studies suggest that it may lack significant effects on insulin or blood sugar. Further research is needed in this area.
|
C |
Early research suggests a lack of evidence to support the use of glucosamine in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. More research is needed in this area.
|
C |
Early research suggests a lack of evidence to support the use of glucosamine in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. More research is needed in this area.
|
C |
Early study suggests that a product containing both glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate may benefit interstitial cystitis symptoms. More research is needed in this area.
|
C |
Early study suggests that a product containing both glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate may benefit interstitial cystitis symptoms. More research is needed in this area.
|
C |
A few studies have found improvement in knee pain with the use of glucosamine. Although promising, further research is needed before conclusions may be made.
|
C |
A few studies have found improvement in knee pain with the use of glucosamine. Although promising, further research is needed before conclusions may be made.
|
C |
Glucosamine sulfate has been studied in the treatment of lumbar pain (pain near the lower spine). Treatment with glucosamine sulfate alone or in combination with potassium may help reduce pain. Another study reported a lack of effect on low back pain. Additional studies are needed in this area.
|
C |
Glucosamine sulfate has been studied in the treatment of lumbar pain (pain near the lower spine). Treatment with glucosamine sulfate alone or in combination with potassium may help reduce pain. Another study reported a lack of effect on low back pain. Additional studies are needed in this area.
|
C |
Early evidence suggests that the use of glucosamine may lack an effect in people who have multiple sclerosis. More research is needed in this area.
|
C |
Early evidence suggests that the use of glucosamine may lack an effect in people who have multiple sclerosis. More research is needed in this area.
|
C |
Early evidence suggests that there is a lack of evidence to support glucosamine use for rheumatoid arthritis. More research is needed in this area.
|
C |
Early evidence suggests that there is a lack of evidence to support glucosamine use for rheumatoid arthritis. More research is needed in this area.
|
C |
A glucosamine combination product has been shown to improve sexual dysfunction in men. Further studies are required before firm conclusions can be made.
|
C |
A glucosamine combination product has been shown to improve sexual dysfunction in men. Further studies are required before firm conclusions can be made.
|
C |
Early evidence suggests a lack of evidence to support glucosamine alone or in combination with chondroitin for TMJ disorders (jaw and face pain). More research is needed in this area.
|
C |
Early evidence suggests a lack of evidence to support glucosamine alone or in combination with chondroitin for TMJ disorders (jaw and face pain). More research is needed in this area.
|
C |
Glucosamine has been studied for its possible benefits in lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol. It has also been studied for increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol. Results from these studies show that glucosamine lacked significant benefits. Additional study is needed in this area.
|
D |
Glucosamine has been studied for its possible benefits in lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol. It has also been studied for increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol. Results from these studies show that glucosamine lacked significant benefits. Additional study is needed in this area.
|
D | * Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
| * Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
| Tradition / Theory
The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
Dosing
Adults (18 years and older)
- Note: Full benefit of glucosamine may take up to one month in some people. Glucosamine hydrochloride may provide more glucosamine than the glucosamine sulfate salt form.
- To treat bone diseases (Kashin-Beck disease), 480 milligrams of glucosamine hydrochloride has been taken by mouth three times daily for six months, as well as 750 milligrams of glucosamine hydrochloride by mouth twice daily for six weeks.
- To treat circulation problems (chronic venous insufficiency), Perclar? has been taken by mouth at doses of 48 milligrams, 72 milligrams, or 96 milligrams.
- To treat high cholesterol, 1,500 milligrams of glucosamine, 1,527 milligrams of glucosamine sulfate (equivalent to 1,200 milligrams glucosamine), or 750 milligrams glucosamine hydrochloride (equal to 625 milligrams glucosamine) has been taken by mouth daily for up to 14 weeks.
- To treat knee osteoarthritis, 300-500 milligrams of glucosamine sulfate or 480 milligrams of glucosamine hydrochloride has been taken by mouth three times daily for up to 12 weeks.
- To treat low back pain, 1500 milligrams of glucosamine has been taken by mouth daily for six months. Additionally, 3 milliliters of glucosamine sulfate cream or 3 milliliters of glucosamine sulfate have been given through the skin via iontophoresis (using electricity to deliver the drug) or massaged into the skin for 15 minutes, three times weekly for four weeks.
- To treat multiple sclerosis, 1000 milligrams daily of glucosamine sulfate has been taken by mouth for six months.
- To treat osteoarthritis (general), 1000-2000 milligrams daily of glucosamine, glucosamine sulfate, or glucosamine hydrochloride in the form of tablets, capsules, or crystalline powder has been taken by mouth for up to 18 months. Up to 400 milligrams of glucosamine has also been injected into the joint, vein, or muscle for varying durations.
- To treat rheumatoid arthritis, 420 milligrams of Teoremac? has been taken by mouth daily for 14 days.
Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.
Interactions
Interactions with Drugs
- Glucosamine may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as vitamin K antagonists (warfarin, Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
- Glucosamine may affect insulin and blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may affect blood sugar. People taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
- Glucosamine may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's "cytochrome P450" enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be increased in the blood, and may cause increased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. People using any medications should check the package insert, and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
- Glucosamine may also interact with acetaminophen; agents applied to the skin; agents eliminated by the kidneys; agents for the stomach or intestines; agents that increase sun sensitivity; agents that may increase urine flow; alcohol; anticancer agents; antidepressants; anti-hemorrhage agents; caffeine; chitosan; doxorubicin; etoposide; nicotine; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); pain relievers; rosiglitazone; teniposide; thiazolidinediones.
Attribution
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This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).
Bibliography
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