::: Ultimate Glucosamine :::

N-Acetyl-D-glucosamine was administered intravenously at a fixed quantity of 20 grams per subject (N=5)¹. The substance's half-life was found to be 220 minutes. In 24 hours 54% of the administered glucosamine was excreted into the urine.

Glucosamine as a hydrochloride salt was administered intravenously at a dose of 225 mg/kg body weight (equivalent to about 16 grams to a 70 kg person). Glucosamine half-life was 150 minutes. In 24 hours 57% of the administered glucosamine was excreted into the urine (N=5).

The above experiments were repeated with the addition of 7 units of insulin, which was infused simultaneously. The administration of 7 units of insulin had no obvious effect on the disappearance of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine from blood, but appeared to have an accelerating effect on the removal of glucosamine.

No patient experienced any adverse event from the administration of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine or glucosamine.

In a subsequent investigation five subjects were administered 100 grams of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine by the intravenous route². Even at this very high amount N-acetyl-D-glucosamine appeared not to have any impact on glucose metabolism.

Healthy male volunteers were administered 502 mg of crystalline glucosamine sulphate mixed with trace amounts of radioactive glucosamine³. Glucosamine was administered by the IV, IM and oral routes. Radioactivity was measured in whole plasma and deproteinized plasma. The concentration found in deproteinized plasma was subtracted from the concentration in whole plasma in order to obtain the amount incorporated in plasma proteins. The concentration in deproteinized plasma, which represents free glucosamine, disappears quickly and the amount in plasma proteins increased over time as glucosamine is incorporated into the globulin fraction. In the first 24 hours, 27% of the intravenously administered glucosamine was excreted in the urine. When given by the oral route about 10% of the administered dose is excreted in the urine and 11% is excreted via the feces. Compared with IV administration, the oral bioavailability of glucosamine 44%. The authors also examined the absorption of glucosamine tablets and a glucosamine solution. Based on the urine excretion of glucosamine, the authors considered glucosamine tablets given three times per day and an equivalent amount of glucosamine in an oral solution given once per day, to be bio-equivalent.

1 Levin, R. M., N. N. Krieger, et al. (1961). "Glucosamine and N-Acetylglucosamine." J. Lab & Clin Med 58: 927-932.

2 Gaulden, E.C. and W. C. Keating. (1964) "The effect of intravenous N-acetylglucosamine on the blood and urine sugar concentrations in normal subjects." Metabolism 13: 466-472.

3 Setnikar, I. and L. C. Rovati (2001). "Absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of glucosamine sulfate. A review." Arzneimittelforschung 51(9): 699-725.

Notice: The information is intended to provide the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the science underlying the role of glucosamine and N-acetylglucosamine in the mammalian body. The scientific information on this site has been compiled from many different scientific sources. No specific therapeutic claims are made for any product. The information provided on this site is for general information purposes only and is not intended to qualify, supplement or replace that of your medical professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Your healthcare giver should undertake diagnosing and treating your medical condition.

Š 2003 PurePharm Inc. All rights reserved Copyright and Legal Disclaimer.