Joint Health Ingredient
GlcNAc Supplier & Bulk N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine
GlcNAc, also called N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine or NAG, is a specialty ingredient used in joint-health supplement formulations. Selection can be based on ingredient identity, specification, source, particle size and supporting documentation.
Identité des ingrédients
Product Facts
Core identity information for N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine and its common commercial names.
Technical Reference
Technical Qualification
Reference identity information and qualification points for the selected grade. Batch results should be taken from the applicable COA.
| Paramètre | Reference / Review Point | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Ingrédient | N-acétyl-D-Glucosamine | Identité |
| Numéro CAS | 7512-17-6 | Identity reference |
| Formule moléculaire | C₈H₁₅NO₆ | Chemical reference |
| Poids moléculaire | 221,21 g/mol | Chemical reference |
| USP-NF Assay | 98.0%–102.0%, calculated on the dried basis | USP-NF reference |
| Batch Assay | Confirm the grade-specific assay range and analytical method on the applicable COA. | Batch specific |
| Taille des particules | Confirm the required mesh or particle-size distribution for the dosage form. | Product specific |
| Source & Allergen | Confirm source route, shellfish status and supporting declarations before label use. | Source specific |
Ingredient Comparison
GlcNAc vs. Glucosamine HCl vs. Glucosamine Sulfate
These materials should be specified and qualified by their exact chemical form rather than treated as interchangeable names.
| Attribut | GlcNAc / NAG | Glucosamine HCl | Sulfate de glucosamine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical form | N-acétyl-D-Glucosamine | Glucosamine hydrochloride | Sulfate de glucosamine |
| Point fort du cahier des charges | Identity, assay, source, particle size and supporting documents | Salt identity, assay and applicable specification | Sulfate form, assay and applicable specification |
| Formula use | Select when the formula calls for GlcNAc | Select when the formula calls for glucosamine HCl | Select when the formula calls for glucosamine sulfate |
Human Research
Joint Health & Clinical Research
Human studies have evaluated oral GlcNAc in relation to cartilage-metabolism biomarkers and joint-related outcomes. The intervention and study design matter when interpreting the results.
Cartilage-Metabolism Biomarkers
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated 500 mg/day and 1,000 mg/day of GlcNAc for 16 weeks in healthy adults without arthritis symptoms. The study assessed C2C, PIICP and the C2C/PIICP ratio.
GlcNAc + Chondroitin
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examined a combination of N-acetyl glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in Japanese adults with knee pain or stiffness. The reported outcomes included self-reported knee function and pain-related measures.
GlcNAc + Proteoglycan
A 12-week open study evaluated a tablet containing GlcNAc and proteoglycan in subjects with knee pain, using VAS, JKOM and JOA outcomes.
Published studies: PubMed 27588069 · PubMed 26178634 · PubMed 28757514
Source & Allergen Review
Source & Allergen Considerations
Source affects allergen review, label positioning and the documentation needed for the selected market.
Source liée aux crustacés et mollusques
When the production route is linked to crustacean-derived materials, review the source, species information, allergen statement and cross-contact information before making shellfish-related label decisions.
Fermentation / Source autre que les crustacés
Some GlcNAc suppliers use fermentation or other non-shellfish routes. The production route, substrate and supporting declarations should be verified for the specific material before using vegan, shellfish-free or similar positioning.
Formulation
Considérations relatives à la formulation
The finished format determines which physical and processing characteristics need to be checked.
Capsules
Review serving size, particle size, bulk density, flowability and blend uniformity before capsule-fill validation.
Tablettes
Check particle characteristics, compression behavior, excipient compatibility and finished-tablet performance.
Gummies & Chewables
Evaluate heat exposure, moisture, pH, taste and active retention during development.
Powder & Drink Formats
Review dispersion or solubility, flavor compatibility, moisture protection and blend uniformity.
Product Qualification
Qualification & Documentation
A focused review keeps product identity, batch testing and market requirements clearly separated.
Material Review
Start with the exact ingredient identity and intended application, then match the material to the specification used for approval.
Documentation
Request the documents needed for technical review, supplier approval and destination-market assessment.
Regulatory Reference
Regulatory Status Depends on Market and Use
GlcNAc should not be presented as having one universal regulatory status. The applicable requirements can depend on intended use, source, production route and destination market.
États-Unis
USP-NF includes a N-Acetylglucosamine monograph that can serve as a pharmacopeial quality reference. A monograph is not, by itself, authorization of a finished supplement.
Union européenne
The European Commission's 2026 public Novel Food application list includes an application for N-acetylglucosamine from Shandong Runhan Biotechnology Co., Ltd. This should not be interpreted as a blanket authorization for every GlcNAc material or use.
European Commission: Novel Food applications and notifications
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