Information
N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG) is Glucosamine with an acetic acid molecule attached
to it rather than sulphur as in Glucosamine Sulphate.
Glucosamine is an amino sugar (amino acid + sugar) that occurs naturally in the human
body. It is a critical substrate of all connective tissue. Tissues in
the body are continually being broken down and repaired. If the rate
of breakdown exceeds the rate of repair, tissues start to degenerate.
This is perhaps most commonly experienced in the joints, digestive
tract and cardiovascular system, with problems including joint pains
and arthritis, digestive problems and vascular disease. Providing
Glucosamine can improve the rate of regeneration of these connective
tissues.
Glucosamine is most well known for its benefits in reducing joint
problems. It is a key component of the synovial (lubricating) fluid,
bursal fluid, ligaments and tendons of the joints. Numerous studies
have shown the benefits of glucosamine in reducing joint pain and
inflammation.
Glucosamine is an integral component of the mucous membranes lining
the digestive, respiratory and urinary tracts. Glucosamine is commonly
incorporated into a strategy to improve problems in these areas of the
body including leaky gut (a cause of food intolerances) and asthma.
The walls of the arteries contain glucosamine which provides them with
their strength and elasticity, required to withstand the pressure of
blood being pumped through them.
The rate of production of glucosamine reduces with age as the enzyme
glucosamine synthetase becomes less effective. This is one of
the reasons why healing becomes slower in the elderly.
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