What to remember :
- N-Acetylglucosamine is a major component of skin, cartilage and tendons.
- N-Acetylglucosamine is known to soothe pain associated with joint disorders.
- N-Acetylglucosamine reduces imperfections, hyperpigmentation and fine lines to restore an even and radiant complexion.
- N-Acetylglucosamine is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, capable of improving joint health and skin disorders such as acne.
What is N-Acetylglucosamine?
N-Acetylglucosamine (or NAG) is an amino sugar composed of an acetyl group, making it more easily assimilated by the body. Its polymerization forms chitin, a molecule naturally present in the shells of certain crustaceans and insects.
N-Acetylglucosamine is a direct precursor ofhyaluronic acid , naturally present in various tissues of the body, particularly in the dermis. Hyaluronic acid is a true “water sponge”, perfectly natural, which ensures hydration and allows the skin to retain its radiance and softness.
Benefits of N-Acetylglucosamine
Due to its composition, N-Acetylglucosamine plays a crucial role in strengthening and structuring joints as well as in hydrating and firming the skin.
N-Acetylglucosamine and joints
N-Acetylglucosamine is a key component in the formation of cartilage, tendons, and the synovial fluid that lubricates joints. It is primarily known for its ability to soothe pain associated with joint disorders and its anti-inflammatory properties in joint inflammation. Studies suggest that oral N-Acetylglucosamine supplementation may help reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and reduce the risk of osteoarthritis.
N-Acetylglucosamine and skin
Studies have shown that supplementation with N-Acetylglucosamine, taken orally, improves the overall condition of the skin .
N-Acetylglucosamine helps reduce dark spots by inhibiting the production of melanin, a skin pigment, thereby brightening dark areas of the face to provide a more even and radiant complexion. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties allow it to treat various inflammatory skin disorders, including acne .
N-Acetylglucosamine precursor of hyaluronic acid
Being the direct precursor ofhyaluronic acid , naturally present in the dermis, N-Acetylglucosamine promotes water retention in the skin . Indeed, this large molecule that is hyaluronic acid can retain up to 1000 times its weight in water. Thanks to its humectant power, it ensures optimal hydration and allows the skin to retain its radiance, firmness and elasticity.
With age, the body's production ofhyaluronic acid tends to gradually decline. It is therefore interesting to formulate a unique product that provides both hyaluronic acid and its precursor, in order to boost their effects. Indeed, oral intake of N-Acetylglucosamine can significantly increase the stocks of hyaluronic acid, naturally present in our body. The advantage of oral supplementation compared to skin care is that it gives our body the choice of disposing of its stock of hyaluronic acid as it sees fit, in order to send it to the tissues that need it most (skin, hair or joints).
Indications and dosage of N-Acetylglucosamine
It is found in many supplements in powder, tablet or capsule form.
N -Acetylglucosamine is contraindicated for children under 12 years of age and pregnant and breastfeeding women. It is also contraindicated for people with shellfish allergies, acute tissue inflammation, autoimmune disease, or cancer. If you are undergoing medical treatment, it is important to seek advice from your doctor before supplementing.
Currently, there is no official dosage for achieving benefits, but scientific studies have documented doses ranging from 500mg to 1000mg. When taken as directed, N-acetylglucosamine does not cause any unwanted side effects. However, at high doses, it can cause nausea and stomach upset.
Bring N-Acetylglucosamine to your body with DIJO
At DIJO, we are committed to supporting you in your wellness skincare routines. That's why we developed Radiant Skin , a product based on prebiotics and compounds essential for maintaining the skin's beauty .
Beyond the skin, which benefits from the many advantages of our product based on marine collagen ,hyaluronic acid combined with its precursorN-Acetylglucosamine , the joints and all the connective tissues surrounding them, such as cartilage, are strengthened.
Whether it's to improve skin hydration, reduce imperfections, reduce the first signs of aging or strengthen joint mobility, this youth cure offers you a natural approach to your overall well-being.
Sources :
[1] Chen, JK, Shen, CR, & Liu, CL (2010). N-acetylglucosamine: production and applications. Marine drugs , 8 (9), 2493-2516.
[2] Kubomura, D., Ueno, T., Yamada, M., Tomonaga, A., & Nagaoka, I. (2017). Effect of N-acetylglucosamine administration on cartilage metabolism and safety in healthy subjects without symptoms of arthritis: A case report. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine , 13 (4), 1614-1621.
[3] Połubinska, A., Cwalinski, J., Baum, E., & Bręborowicz, A. (2013). N‐Acetylglucosamine modulates function of the skin fibroblasts. International Journal of Cosmetic Science , 35 (5), 472-476.
[4] Wang, ST, Neo, BH, & Betts, RJ (2021). Glycosaminoglycans: sweet as sugar targets for topical skin anti-aging. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology , 1227-1246
