Mobility & structure · Daily formulation
A Japanese mobility formula built around N-acetylglucosamine, salmon-derived proteoglycan and undenatured type II collagen, Japanese knotweed and MSM.
Why it was created
Healthy cartilage is not a single substance. It is an organised extracellular matrix in which collagen provides tensile structure while proteoglycans attract water and help create resilient cushioning.
NAG translates that layered biology into a four-part daily formulation: an amino-sugar foundation, salmon-derived matrix components, a Japanese botanical and organic sulphur.
Structure · extracellular matrix
See how an amino-sugar motif relates to the branching, water-rich architecture of the extracellular matrix around cartilage.
Explore ingredient evidenceN-acetylglucosamine is an amino sugar found within several biological structures.
General biological context, not a clinical result for this supplement. Simplified and not to scale.
Formula architecture
Inside the formula · per 4-tablet daily serving
A naturally occurring amino sugar and structural precursor used in the body’s glycosaminoglycan pathways.
Salmon nasal cartilage extract supplying proteoglycan and undenatured type II collagen.
A botanical component included at 60 mg per tablet in the current four-tablet daily format.
Methylsulfonylmethane, an organic sulphur-containing compound used in connective-tissue formulations.
One formula · several complementary layers
The concept is built around the composition of cartilage itself: structural fibres, water-binding macromolecules and the nutrients used to support a considered daily mobility routine.
Ingredient evidence library
A 16-week placebo-controlled study examined 500 mg and 1,000 mg per day of N-acetylglucosamine in healthy adults. It measured type II collagen biomarkers rather than clinical joint outcomes and did not test this complete formula.
A 16-week placebo-controlled study examined a combination of N-acetylglucosamine and chondroitin sulphate in healthy adults. It supports the ingredient rationale, but does not isolate NAG or test this finished product.
An uncontrolled 12-week pilot in 19 adults with knee pain used 526.5 mg of N-acetylglucosamine plus 33.6 mg of proteoglycan. The absence of a placebo group and the different composition limit any inference for this product.
A 2017 double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated 10 mg per day of salmon nasal cartilage proteoglycan. The preparation and dose studied must not be assumed equivalent to the complete NAG formula.
A multicentre trial studied 40 mg per day of a branded chicken-derived UC-II preparation in adults with knee osteoarthritis. Its source, standardisation and dose are not equivalent to this salmon-cartilage complex.
A small 12-week randomised trial reported modest changes in pain and physical function. The study used a substantially higher MSM dose than this formula, and the wider evidence base remains mixed.
Professional product data
Current Japanese composition: N-acetylglucosamine (manufactured in Japan), Japanese knotweed extract powder (dextrin, Japanese knotweed extract), maltose, salmon nasal cartilage extract (containing undenatured type II collagen and undenatured proteoglycan), MSM, crystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide and calcium stearate.
Allergen information: Contains ingredients derived from shrimp, crab and salmon. The approved market-specific label remains authoritative.
Nutrition values are stated per four tablets (1.28 g).
Take four tablets daily with water or warm water according to the current Japanese directions. Store away from high temperature, humidity and direct sunlight, and consume promptly after opening. Contains ingredients derived from shrimp, crab and salmon. People taking medicines, receiving medical treatment, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Stop use if an unexpected reaction occurs. Natural variation in colour or taste, and dark specks from raw materials, do not indicate a quality problem. This is a food supplement, not a medicine.
Japanese quality & provenance
Developed and manufactured in Japan with a dossier-led approach for international professional review. Product specifications and market documentation are provided through Yotsuba Japan’s official partner network, subject to destination-market requirements.
Frequently asked
NAG is the common abbreviation for N-acetylglucosamine, a naturally occurring amino sugar found in the body and in natural sources.
The formula uses N-acetylglucosamine rather than glucosamine hydrochloride or glucosamine sulphate, and combines it with salmon-derived proteoglycan, undenatured type II collagen, Japanese knotweed and MSM.
The current Japanese product dossier indicates four tablets daily. Always follow the directions on the approved market-specific label.
Yes. The formula includes crustacean-derived N-acetylglucosamine and salmon nasal cartilage extract. People with seafood, fish, shrimp or crab allergies should not use it without appropriate professional advice.
No. The research shown relates to individual ingredients or other ingredient combinations and doses. It explains the scientific rationale and is not proof of a clinical effect of the finished product.
Food supplement · Not a medicine
Product information is educational and intended for professional portfolio review. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Suitability, permitted claims and labelling must be assessed for each destination market.NAG · N-acetylglucosamine