Michael Demetriou, Ani Grigorian and others found that oral N-acetylglucosamine GlcNAc , which is similar to but more effective than the widely available glucosamine, inhibited the growth and function of abnormal T-cells that in MS incorrectly direct the immune system to attack and break down central nervous system tissue that insulates nerves.
Earlier this year, Demetriou and colleagues discovered that environmental and inherited risk factors associated with MS -- previously poorly understood and not known to be connected -- converge to affect how specific sugars are added to proteins regulating the disease.
Virtually all proteins on the surface of cells, including immune cells such as T-cells, are modified by complex sugar molecules of variable sizes and composition. Recent studies have linked changes in these sugars to T-cell hyperactivity and autoimmune disease.
In mouse models of MS-like autoimmune disease, Demetriou and his team found that GlcNAc given orally to those with leg weakness suppressed T-cell hyperactivity and autoimmune response by increasing sugar modifications to the T-cell proteins, thereby reversing the progression to paralysis.
The study comes on the heels of others showing the potential of GlcNAc in humans. One reported that eight of 12 children with treatment-resistant autoimmune inflammatory bowel disease improved significantly after two years of GlcNAc therapy. No serious adverse side effects were noted. He cautioned that more human studies are required to assess the full potential of the approach.
GlcNAc supplements are available over the counter and differ from commercially popular glucosamine. People who purchase GlcNAc should consult with their doctors before use. Materials provided by University of California - Irvine. Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Science News. Study results appear online in the Journal of Biological Chemistry. Journal Reference : A. To be safe, avoid using N-acetylglucosamine while pregnant or breastfeeding.
N-acetylglucosamine may slow blood clotting and enhance the effects of anticoagulants blood thinners like Coumadin warfarin and Plavix clopidogrel. Taking N-acetylglucosamine with either of these drugs can increase the risk of easy bleeding and bruising.
This is another reason why you should stop taking N-acetylglucosamine two weeks before scheduled surgery. Widely available for purchase online, N-acetylglucosamine supplements are also sold in many natural-foods stores, drugstores, and shops specializing in dietary supplements. There are no guidelines for the appropriate use of N-acetylglucosamine supplements. Dosages of up to 1, milligrams mg per day have been used safely in adults for 16 weeks.
Some manufacturers endorse dosages of up to 1, mg daily, taken in either a single or split dose. However, there is no clear evidence that higher doses confer to better results in all people.
As a rule of thumb, start with the lowest possible dose and increase gradually as tolerated. Never exceed the recommended dose on the product label. Tablet and capsule formulations are the easiest to use because the dose they provide is consistent. By contrast, N-acetylglucosamine powder which can be mixed into coffee or tea as a sweetener requires precise measurement with a proper measuring spoon. Never switch from one form of glucosamine to another thinking that they are the same.
Each has distinctive mechanisms of action and specific dosing instructions. Unlike prescription drugs, dietary supplements are not strictly regulated in the United States. To ensure quality and safety, only buy brands that have been voluntarily submitted for testing by an independent certifying body like the U. Is N-acetylglucosamine the best form of glucosamine? Each form has pros and cons worth considering. For example:. However, when evaluating which form of glucosamine is "best," most health experts consider glucosamine sulfate superior because it contains sulfate—a mineral that the body needs to produce cartilage.
The other two do not. According to a review of studies in Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, glucosamine sulfate demonstrated clear superiority over N-acetylglucosamine and glucosamine hydrochloride based on the reduced need for painkillers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs as well as a reduced incidence of total knee replacement surgery. How should I store N-acetylglucosamine? N-acetylglucosamine can be safely stored at room temperature.
Avoid excessive heat or moisture exposure, and never use a supplement past its expiration date. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Differential metabolic effects of glucosamine and N-acetylglucosamine in human articular chondrocytes.
Osteoarthritis Cartilage. Clinical efficacy and safety of glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, their combination, celecoxib or placebo taken to treat osteoarthritis of the knee: 2-year results from GAIT. Annal Rheum Dis. J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother. Metabolic control of T cell immune response through glycans in inflammatory bowel disease. J Biol Chem. Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine. J Cosmet Dermatol. 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.
Br J Dermatol. Asthma exacerbation associated with glucosamine-chondroitin supplement. J Am Board Fam Pract. Effect of N-acetylglucosamine administration on cartilage metabolism and safety in healthy subjects without symptoms of arthritis: A case report.
Exp Ther Med. Comparison of pharmacokinetics of glucosamine and synovial fluid levels following administration of glucosamine sulphate or glucosamine hydrochloride 1. Efficacy and safety of glucosamine sulfate in the management of osteoarthritis: evidence from real-life setting trials and surveys.
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