N-acetylneuramic acid, also known as “O-sialic acid” or simply “NANA”, is an important biochemical substance whose parent structure is neuramic acid composed of nine carbon atoms, which belongs to sugars. This substance not only exists in the human brain and nervous tissue, but also widely distributed in saliva, blood, digestive tract and other organs and tissues.

N-acetylneuramic acid, with the chemical formula C11H19NO9, has unique negatively charged ionic properties, making it play a variety of important physiological functions in living organisms.

Ⅰ.A booster of brain development

The content of N-acetylneuramic acid in the brain is 15 times that of the liver, lungs and other internal organs, and is mainly found on the surface of brain cells, which is necessary to maintain the negative charge of brain cells. It is not only an important component of gangliosides, but also an important component of neurotransmitters in the brain. Studies have shown that N-acetylneuraminic acid can promote synaptic growth and help brain cells grow, develop and repair. Therefore, it is particularly important for the brain development of infants and young children. During pregnancy and after the birth of the baby, through breastfeeding to supplement the baby with N-acetylneuramic acid, can effectively promote brain development, improve memory and learning ability.

Ⅱ.Multiple health benefits

In addition to its boosting effects on brain development, N-acetylneuraminic acid has a variety of health benefits. It is able to be converted into metabolites such as aspartic acid and acetyl-CoA, which provide energy to brain cells and meet their needs. In addition, N-acetylneuramic acid can also regulate neurotransmitters and participate in neurotransmitter metabolism, which is helpful to relieve tension and improve sleep quality. In terms of antiviral, N-acetylneuramic acid also shows significant activity and can be used as a drug intermediate for the production of antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir and zanamivir.

Ⅲ.Beauty and anti-aging

The application of N-acetylneuraminic acid in the field of beauty is also remarkable. It has anti-aging and antioxidant effects, and can be added to facial masks, lotions and other cosmetics to alleviate skin aging and promote skin regeneration. This property makes N-acetylneuraminic acid an important ingredient in many high-end cosmetics.

Ⅳ.The role of N-acetylneuramic acid in the human body

1.Brain development and function improvement

Neuronal markers: N-acetylneuraminic acid is often considered a marker of neurons and axons, especially in the white matter of the brain, and the higher the level, the better the number and function of neurons.
Promotes brain development: It promotes synaptic growth and helps brain cells grow, develop and repair. For infants and adolescents, adequate N-acetylneuraminic acid helps with intellectual development and improves academic performance. For adults, it can also help improve mental acuity and memory.
Provide energy for brain cells: N-acetylneuraminic acid provides energy and substrate to meet the needs of brain cells. It can be converted into metabolites such as aspartate and acetyl-CoA, which power brain cells.

2.Neurotransmitter metabolism and regulation

N-acetylneuramic acid is involved in the metabolic process of neurotransmitters, and can affect the synthesis and release of neurotransmitters by inhibiting the activity of enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase. This role is essential for maintaining the normal function of the nervous system.

3.Improve sleep quality

N-acetylneuramic acid can also promote the synthesis of neurotransmitters in the brain, improve the activity of the brain, and thus improve the quality of sleep to a certain extent. This has a positive significance for alleviating sleep disorders such as insomnia and dreaminess.

4.Protect eyesight and promote liver detoxification

Protect vision: N-acetylneuraminic acid can promote the regeneration of rhodopsin and retinal in the retina, thereby improving vision to a certain extent and protecting eye health.
Promote liver detoxification: The substance can also promote the metabolism of the liver, improve the liver’s detoxification ability, and help eliminate toxins and waste from the body.

5.Antibacterial detoxification and immune regulation

After entering the gastrointestinal tract, N-acetylneuramic acid can prevent intestinal pathogenic virus ions from adsorbed on intestinal mucosal cells, so as to play an antibacterial and detoxification effect. In addition, it is involved in regulating the immune system and may be beneficial in preventing certain diseases.

6.Cellular communication and neuroprotection

N-acetylneuraminic acid contributes to recognition and adhesion between cells and is essential for maintaining cell structure and function. In the nervous system, it may help protect nerve cells and slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

Ⅴ.Natural sources and ways of supplementation

N-acetylneuramic acid is widely distributed in nature, mainly from milk, eggs, bird’s nest and other foods. Among them, the content of N-acetylneuramic acid in bird’s nest is particularly rich, so it is also known as “bird’s nest acid”. For people who wish to supplement their diet with N-acetylneuramic acid, these foods rich in this substance can be selected. In addition, with the progress of modern science and technology, N-acetylneuramic acid can also be prepared by industrial methods and added to various products as food raw materials and nutritional supplements.

In summary, N-acetylneuramic acid, as an important biochemical substance, plays an important role in promoting brain development, maintaining human health, beauty and anti-aging. With the deepening of research and application expansion, we have reason to believe that N-acetylneuramic acid will bring more health and beauty to human beings in the future.