Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 18 Researches
6.9
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 25 Reviews
8
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine
700 mg

Top Medical Research Studies

9
Potential OA treatment advancements
We explored the potential of N-acetyl-(D)-glucosamine, a compound often used as a dietary supplement for osteoarthritis (OA), to provide effective relief from this chronic joint condition. Our research focused on a series of newly developed prodrugs, specifically targeting ways to enhance the compound's absorption and effectiveness within the body.

We found that some modified versions of N-acetyl-(D)-glucosamine, known as O-3 and O-4 phosphate prodrugs, demonstrated significant chondroprotective effects in vitro. In simple terms, this means they helped protect and support cartilage health, which is vital for those suffering from OA. Notably, the prodrugs that included a specific amino acid called (L)-proline were particularly effective, even outperforming earlier versions.

Overall, our findings suggest that these novel compounds hold promise as new leads in the search for more effective treatments for osteoarthritis. They signify a positive step toward improving the management of this painful and degenerative joint disease.
Read More
8
N-acetyl glucosamine aids arthritis treatment
We explored how N-acetyl glucosamine (GlcNAc) could help in treating collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Through a thorough analysis, we discovered that GlcNAc reduced inflammation and altered immune responses. Notably, it minimized the severity and even delayed the onset of arthritis symptoms in a significant number of cases. While it showed promise in alleviating inflammation and clinical symptoms associated with arthritis, it's essential to understand that further research is needed for broader human applications. This study may pave the way for innovative approaches to arthritis treatment.
Read More
8
N-acetylglucosamine derivatives show promise
We focused our research on the potential of N-acetylglucosamine, a modified form of glucosamine, to impact osteoarthritis, a common degenerative joint disease. Our investigations revealed that N-acetylglucosamine could enhance the oral bioavailability of glucosamine and is reported to have better in vitro chondroprotective effects compared to its parent compound.

To delve deeper into this, we examined N-acetylglucosamine derivatives modified specifically at the N position, using different chemical groups such as benzenesulfonyl and isoxazole. Among the many compounds we tested, we found that the derivatives with 3-(2-chlorobenzene)-5-methyl-isoxazole formyl chloride and p-methoxybenzenesulfonyl chloride were particularly effective at promoting chondrocyte health in our laboratory studies.

Our findings suggest that these newly developed compounds may hold promise as future treatments for osteoarthritis by enhancing joint health and potentially improving the quality of life for those affected by this condition.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

9
Pain relief
15 people found this helpful
I discovered this supplement by chance on the iHerb website. I suffer from various food allergies, digestive issues, and arthritis. After a difficult weekend with an upset stomach and aching arthritis, I began taking this supplement. My stomach felt soothed immediately, and my arthritis pain vanished. I can hardly believe the improvement in my arthritis and digestion. I have no plans to stop taking this supplement.
Read More
7.5
Minimal discomfort
11 people found this helpful
This glucosamine product helps my system significantly. It manages my irritable bowel syndrome and alleviates my back and muscle pain. While I take it, I can keep any discomfort to a minimum. Thank you, iHerb, for providing this product for my benefit.
Read More
9
Effective for osteoarthritis
9 people found this helpful
Sodium-free and the most effective I've tried, this product greatly alleviates my osteoarthritis pain and improves my mobility. I switched brands recently, but it was nearly twice the cost and ineffective. Upon returning to this brand, the pain subsided remarkably. Highly recommended.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 18 Researches
6.9
  • All Researches
9
Potential OA treatment advancements
We explored the potential of N-acetyl-(D)-glucosamine, a compound often used as a dietary supplement for osteoarthritis (OA), to provide effective relief from this chronic joint condition. Our research focused on a series of newly developed prodrugs, specifically targeting ways to enhance the compound's absorption and effectiveness within the body.

We found that some modified versions of N-acetyl-(D)-glucosamine, known as O-3 and O-4 phosphate prodrugs, demonstrated significant chondroprotective effects in vitro. In simple terms, this means they helped protect and support cartilage health, which is vital for those suffering from OA. Notably, the prodrugs that included a specific amino acid called (L)-proline were particularly effective, even outperforming earlier versions.

Overall, our findings suggest that these novel compounds hold promise as new leads in the search for more effective treatments for osteoarthritis. They signify a positive step toward improving the management of this painful and degenerative joint disease.
Read More
8
Movardol® shows promise for OA
This registry study involved 54 individuals with moderate knee osteoarthritis. Participants chose between standard management and an enhanced treatment that included Movardol®, which contains N-acetyl-glucosamine, ginger, and Boswellia serrata.

Over six months, we assessed a range of outcomes, such as pain levels, mobility, and inflammatory markers. The preliminary findings suggest that Movardol® supplementation is both effective and safe for managing knee osteoarthritis symptoms.

Overall, this points to a promising option for those seeking relief from their condition.
Read More
8
N-acetyl glucosamine shows cartilage benefits
We examined a new hydrogel containing N-acetyl glucosamine to see how it helps treat early-stage osteoarthritis (OA) in rats. Using a controlled setup, we compared it to traditional hyaluronate treatment. After injections, we noted significant improvements in cartilage health and proteoglycan content in the new compound group compared to those receiving traditional treatment.

This promising result suggests that the novel hydrogel could offer enhanced cartilage protection during early OA, potentially leading to better arthritis management options in the future.
Read More
8
N-acetyl glucosamine benefits knee function
We examined the effects of a 24-week treatment with N-acetyl glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate on knee pain and function in older adults. Our study involved 50 participants who received either the treatment or a placebo.

After 12 weeks, we observed positive outcomes in self-reported knee function and overall physical activity among those taking the supplements. However, we did not find significant changes in pain levels compared to the control group.

Overall, this suggests that long-term use of N-acetyl glucosamine may benefit knee function in individuals experiencing pain or stiffness.
Read More
8
N-acetyl glucosamine aids arthritis treatment
We explored how N-acetyl glucosamine (GlcNAc) could help in treating collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Through a thorough analysis, we discovered that GlcNAc reduced inflammation and altered immune responses. Notably, it minimized the severity and even delayed the onset of arthritis symptoms in a significant number of cases. While it showed promise in alleviating inflammation and clinical symptoms associated with arthritis, it's essential to understand that further research is needed for broader human applications. This study may pave the way for innovative approaches to arthritis treatment.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 25 Reviews
8
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9
Pain relief
15 people found this helpful
I discovered this supplement by chance on the iHerb website. I suffer from various food allergies, digestive issues, and arthritis. After a difficult weekend with an upset stomach and aching arthritis, I began taking this supplement. My stomach felt soothed immediately, and my arthritis pain vanished. I can hardly believe the improvement in my arthritis and digestion. I have no plans to stop taking this supplement.
Read More
7.5
Minimal discomfort
11 people found this helpful
This glucosamine product helps my system significantly. It manages my irritable bowel syndrome and alleviates my back and muscle pain. While I take it, I can keep any discomfort to a minimum. Thank you, iHerb, for providing this product for my benefit.
Read More
9
Effective for osteoarthritis
9 people found this helpful
Sodium-free and the most effective I've tried, this product greatly alleviates my osteoarthritis pain and improves my mobility. I switched brands recently, but it was nearly twice the cost and ineffective. Upon returning to this brand, the pain subsided remarkably. Highly recommended.
Read More
7.5
Improved mobility
8 people found this helpful
I initially purchased this for a lower intestine issue, and within two weeks, I noticed effects that might also benefit my hip arthritis. I've been moving with more ease in recent months. Based on the reviews, I also bought a bottle for my daughter with a back issue and my elderly mother for her gas problems. My mother's situation has definitely improved.
Read More
7.5
Positive effects
4 people found this helpful
This supplement is different from typical commercial arthritis products. I switched from glucosamine to N-acetyl glucosamine after reading about its benefits for interstitial cystitis. It seems to be helping both my arthritis and IC.
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

9
Pain relief
15 people found this helpful
I discovered this supplement by chance on the iHerb website. I suffer from various food allergies, digestive issues, and arthritis. After a difficult weekend with an upset stomach and aching arthritis, I began taking this supplement. My stomach felt soothed immediately, and my arthritis pain vanished. I can hardly believe the improvement in my arthritis and digestion. I have no plans to stop taking this supplement.
7.5
Improved mobility
8 people found this helpful
I initially purchased this for a lower intestine issue, and within two weeks, I noticed effects that might also benefit my hip arthritis. I've been moving with more ease in recent months. Based on the reviews, I also bought a bottle for my daughter with a back issue and my elderly mother for her gas problems. My mother's situation has definitely improved.
6
Gradual improvement
I purchased this supplement to improve my arthritis and have been taking it for about a month. While immediate pain relief was lacking, I feel like I am experiencing gradual improvement.
9
Effective treatment
1 people found this helpful
I began using this for arthritis in one knee. I have noticed virtually no pain now and can walk downhill freely, which was previously painful. Additionally, it may assist with intestinal health, but my main focus is on the arthritis aspect. It's good value for the 120 capsules, and I will continue taking it.
7.5
Minimal discomfort
11 people found this helpful
This glucosamine product helps my system significantly. It manages my irritable bowel syndrome and alleviates my back and muscle pain. While I take it, I can keep any discomfort to a minimum. Thank you, iHerb, for providing this product for my benefit.
7.5
Effective help
3 people found this helpful
I bought this supplement for an elderly woman. In conjunction with other medications, it effectively assists with her arthritis. The impact may be indirect, but it is definitely present.
7.5
Positive effects
4 people found this helpful
This supplement is different from typical commercial arthritis products. I switched from glucosamine to N-acetyl glucosamine after reading about its benefits for interstitial cystitis. It seems to be helping both my arthritis and IC.
7.5
Reliable brand
1 people found this helpful
NAG can be hard to find, so I stock up on this reliable brand. I use it for my arthritis in my ankles and for intestinal health, as advised by Dr. d'Adamo.
7.5
Knee pain relief
1 people found this helpful
I use this product to keep my knee pain-free. I have some arthritis in that knee, and as a golfer who walks a lot, I find it beneficial. While I wear a knee band for golf, I don't need it for walking now. The price is reasonable for the quantity, and I only require one capsule daily to be effective.
8
Movardol® shows promise for OA
This registry study involved 54 individuals with moderate knee osteoarthritis. Participants chose between standard management and an enhanced treatment that included Movardol®, which contains N-acetyl-glucosamine, ginger, and Boswellia serrata.

Over six months, we assessed a range of outcomes, such as pain levels, mobility, and inflammatory markers. The preliminary findings suggest that Movardol® supplementation is both effective and safe for managing knee osteoarthritis symptoms.

Overall, this points to a promising option for those seeking relief from their condition.
8
N-acetyl glucosamine aids arthritis treatment
We explored how N-acetyl glucosamine (GlcNAc) could help in treating collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Through a thorough analysis, we discovered that GlcNAc reduced inflammation and altered immune responses. Notably, it minimized the severity and even delayed the onset of arthritis symptoms in a significant number of cases. While it showed promise in alleviating inflammation and clinical symptoms associated with arthritis, it's essential to understand that further research is needed for broader human applications. This study may pave the way for innovative approaches to arthritis treatment.
8
N-acetyl glucosamine benefits knee function
We examined the effects of a 24-week treatment with N-acetyl glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate on knee pain and function in older adults. Our study involved 50 participants who received either the treatment or a placebo.

After 12 weeks, we observed positive outcomes in self-reported knee function and overall physical activity among those taking the supplements. However, we did not find significant changes in pain levels compared to the control group.

Overall, this suggests that long-term use of N-acetyl glucosamine may benefit knee function in individuals experiencing pain or stiffness.
4
N-acetyl glucosamine shows limited benefits
We conducted a thorough study to explore the effects of a treatment combining hyaluronan, sodium chondroitin sulfate, and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine on horses with osteoarthritis. Using a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial design, we injected this combination into one carpal joint of 16 horses with induced OA.

While we observed a temporary 16% reduction in pain and some mild improvements in bone and cartilage conditions, most measures showed no significant differences compared to the placebo. Thus, while there may be slight benefits, overall results suggest limited effectiveness of this treatment for arthritis in this model.
We explored the effects of glucosamine, including its derivative N-acetyl-d-glucosamine, on osteoarthritis (OA). The study showed that glucosamine significantly boosts the production of hyaluronic acid (HA) by synovial cells, an important factor for joint health.

Additionally, it enhances the expression of enzymes that synthesize HA and promotes healthy bone metabolism by supporting bone-forming cells while reducing factors that lead to bone loss. Overall, glucosamine appears to be beneficial for OA management, potentially aiding cartilage health and improving bone stability.
8
N-acetylglucosamine derivatives show promise
We focused our research on the potential of N-acetylglucosamine, a modified form of glucosamine, to impact osteoarthritis, a common degenerative joint disease. Our investigations revealed that N-acetylglucosamine could enhance the oral bioavailability of glucosamine and is reported to have better in vitro chondroprotective effects compared to its parent compound.

To delve deeper into this, we examined N-acetylglucosamine derivatives modified specifically at the N position, using different chemical groups such as benzenesulfonyl and isoxazole. Among the many compounds we tested, we found that the derivatives with 3-(2-chlorobenzene)-5-methyl-isoxazole formyl chloride and p-methoxybenzenesulfonyl chloride were particularly effective at promoting chondrocyte health in our laboratory studies.

Our findings suggest that these newly developed compounds may hold promise as future treatments for osteoarthritis by enhancing joint health and potentially improving the quality of life for those affected by this condition.

References

  1. Bolognesi G, Belcaro G, Feragalli B, Cornelli U, Cotellese R, et al. Movardol® (N-acetylglucosamine, Boswellia serrata, ginger) supplementation in the management of knee osteoarthritis: preliminary results from a 6-month registry study. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2016;20:5198.
  2. Şükür E, Talu C, Akman YE, Çirci E, Öztürkmen Y, et al. Comparison of the chondroprotective effect of a novel hydrogel compound and traditional hyaluronate on rat cartilage in a papain-induced osteoarthritis model. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc. 2016;50:458. doi:10.1016/j.aott.2016.07.008
  3. Tsuji T, Yoon J, Kitano N, Okura T, Tanaka K. Effects of N-acetyl glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplementation on knee pain and self-reported knee function in middle-aged and older Japanese adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Aging Clin Exp Res. 2016;28:197. doi:10.1007/s40520-015-0412-6
  4. Richter J, Capková K, Hříbalová V, Vannucci L, Danyi I, et al. Collagen-induced arthritis: severity and immune response attenuation using multivalent N-acetyl glucosamine. Clin Exp Immunol. 2014;177:121. doi:10.1111/cei.12313
  5. Frisbie DD, McIlwraith CW, Kawcak CE, Werpy NM. Evaluation of intra-articular hyaluronan, sodium chondroitin sulfate and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine combination versus saline (0.9% NaCl) for osteoarthritis using an equine model. Vet J. 2013;197:824. doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.05.033
  6. Coburn JM, Wo L, Bernstein N, Bhattacharya R, Aich U, et al. Short-chain fatty acid-modified hexosamine for tissue-engineering osteoarthritic cartilage. Tissue Eng Part A. 2013;19:2035. doi:10.1089/ten.TEA.2012.0317
  7. Einarsson JM, Bahrke S, Sigurdsson BT, Ng CH, Petersen PH, et al. Partially acetylated chitooligosaccharides bind to YKL-40 and stimulate growth of human osteoarthritic chondrocytes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2013;434:298. doi:10.1016/j.bbrc.2013.02.122
  8. Azuma K, Osaki T, Wakuda T, Tsuka T, Imagawa T, et al. Suppressive effects of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine on rheumatoid arthritis mouse models. Inflammation. 2012;35:1462. doi:10.1007/s10753-012-9459-0
  9. Nagaoka I, Igarashi M, Sakamoto K. Biological activities of glucosamine and its related substances. Adv Food Nutr Res. 2012;65:337. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-416003-3.00022-6
  10. Hayashi M, Kadomatsu K, Kojima T, Ishiguro N. Keratan sulfate and related murine glycosylation can suppress murine cartilage damage in vitro and in vivo. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2011;409:732. doi:10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.05.077
  11. Ali AA, Lewis SM, Badgley HL, Allaben WT, Leakey JE. Oral glucosamine increases expression of transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) mRNA in rat cartilage and kidney: implications for human efficacy and toxicity. Arch Biochem Biophys. 2011;510:11. doi:10.1016/j.abb.2011.03.014
  12. Uitterlinden EJ, Koevoet JL, Verkoelen CF, Bierma-Zeinstra SM, Jahr H, et al. Glucosamine increases hyaluronic acid production in human osteoarthritic synovium explants. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2008;9:120. doi:10.1186/1471-2474-9-120
  13. Riegger J, Baumert J, Zaucke F, Brenner RE. The Hexosamine Biosynthetic Pathway as a Therapeutic Target after Cartilage Trauma: Modification of Chondrocyte Survival and Metabolism by Glucosamine Derivatives and PUGNAc in an Ex Vivo Model. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22. doi:10.3390/ijms22147247
  14. McCarty MF, O'Keefe JH, DiNicolantonio JJ. Glucosamine for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis: The Time Has Come for Higher-Dose Trials. J Diet Suppl. 2019;16:179. doi:10.1080/19390211.2018.1448920
  15. Kubomura D, Ueno T, Yamada M, Tomonaga A, Nagaoka I. Effect of N-acetylglucosamine administration on cartilage metabolism and safety in healthy subjects without symptoms of arthritis: A case report. Exp Ther Med. 2017;13:1614. doi:10.3892/etm.2017.4140
  16. Cao T, Li Y, Jiang L, Yuan L, Dong L, et al. Novel biologically active series of N-acetylglucosamine derivatives for the suppressive activities on GAG release. Carbohydr Res. 2016;433:73. doi:10.1016/j.carres.2016.07.004
  17. Kim HB, Lee SW, Mun CH, Yoon JY, Pai J, et al. O-linked N-acetylglucosamine glycosylation of p65 aggravated the inflammation in both fibroblast-like synoviocytes stimulated by tumor necrosis factor-α and mice with collagen induced arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther. 2015;17:248. doi:10.1186/s13075-015-0762-7
  18. Serpi M, Bibbo R, Rat S, Roberts H, Hughes C, et al. Novel phosphoramidate prodrugs of N-acetyl-(D)-glucosamine with antidegenerative activity on bovine and human cartilage explants. J Med Chem. 2012;55:4629. doi:10.1021/jm300074y
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