What is N-acetylglucosamine?

On June 1, 2023, the National Health and Health Commission issued N-acetylglucosamine new food raw material extension notice information service, acceptance number for the new health food word (2023) No. 0005. N-acetylglucosamine is a functional raw material of wide concern in the industry, and the Food Partner network provides an overview of the basic information and application status of N-acetylglucosamine.
What is N-acetylglucosamine
N-Acetylglucosamine English name N-acetylglucosamine, NAG for short, molecular weight is 221.21, CAS number is 7512-17-6, molecular formula C8H15NO6. The molecular structure is shown in the figure below:

As a monosaccharide, NAG is widely found in bacteria, yeasts, molds, plants and animals. In humans, N-acetylglucosamine is a synthetic precursor of glycosaminoglycan disaccharide unit, which plays an important role in repairing and maintaining cartilage and joint tissue function.
Therefore, N-acetylglucosamine is widely used as a drug and nutritional dietary addition to treat and repair joint injuries. In addition, N-acetylglucosamine has many applications in the field of cosmetics. At present, N-acetylglucosamine is mainly produced by acidolytic chitin in shrimp shell or crab shell, and can also be produced by biosynthesis and chemical synthesis.
The function of N-acetylglucosamine
2.1 Immune regulation N-acetylglucosamine can regulate the activity of immune cells, promote phagocytosis of macrophages, and enhance the immunity of the body. Studies have shown that N-acetylglucosamine has a certain protective effect on the prevention of infection and tumors.
2.2 Joint Health N-acetylglucosamine is one of the important components of cartilage tissue, which can promote the proliferation of chondrocytes and matrix synthesis, and help maintain joint health. Studies have shown that N-acetylglucosamine is able to reduce arthritis symptoms and relieve pain and swelling.
2.3 Skin Care N-acetylglucosamine can promote collagen synthesis and help maintain skin elasticity and hydration. Studies have shown that N-acetylglucosamine can improve dry skin and aging, and has certain cosmetic effects.
Status of approvals and applications for N-acetylglucosamine
3.1 China On June 1, 2023, the information of the delay Notice of new food raw materials from the National Health Commission was delivered as follows:

The acceptance notice of the National Health Commission on April 6, 2023 is as follows:

On December 24, 2022, China Biological Fermentation Industry Association announced the approval announcement of the group standard “N-acetylglucosamine (Fermentation method)” (T/CBFIA 07002-2022), which is applicable to the conversion of glucose into n-acetylglucosamine by microbial fermentation with glucose as the main raw material. The production, testing and marketing of N-acetylglucosamine obtained through the refining process will be implemented on April 1, 2023.
3.2 N-acetylglucosamine is included in the Dietary Supplements section of the United States Pharmacopeia. A search of the National Institutes of Health website’s dietary supplement label database shows that dietary supplement products containing n-acetylglucosamine (NAG) are available on the market. NAG has been widely studied and used in the United States as a nutritional supplement ingredient to help maintain joint health.
3.3 European Union There is no separate approval for N-acetylglucosamine use in the European Union.
Brief summary
N-acetylglucosamine has a broad application prospect in health food, medicine, cosmetics and other fields because of its significant raw material characteristics. Food Partners will continue to pay attention to the approval progress of this substance in China, the United States, the European Union and other countries and organizations.