The use of various forms of glucosamine have been studied in great detail as a possible method of treatment for osteoarthritis, particularly among those individuals who have had trouble with more conventional methods of treatment in the past. Scientists have now begun to think outside the traditional rose they have placed glucosamine in and are exploring it for a variety of other uses.

N-acetylglucosamine is one of these new findings. A monosaccharide derivative of glucose, this compound is being explored for used in treating various autoimmune disorders. N-acetylglucosamine is naturally found in the cell walls of various bacterium and comprise a portion of the shells of various crustaceans and the exoskeletons of insects. It is also part of the series of neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate pain reactions.

While N-acetylglucosamine has not yet been established as a method of treating arthritis or other health conditions its use as a dietary supplement is being explored. It is believed to enhance intestinal function by increasing mucosal integrity (interestingly, decreased amounts of N-acetylglucosamine have been found in patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease), and has been shown to assist in the building of connective tissue (this presents a great deal of potential for this drug in the field of arthritis treatment if its beneficial powers can be properly harnessed, as the degeneration of the cartilage tissue is the primary cause of the pain and joint dysfunction seen in osteoarthritis). It is also much preferred to D-glucosamine for those who have a poor tolerance for sulfur based drugs.

N-acetylglucosamine has also been found to be an important building block in the fountain of use. For years the damage that the sun can inflict upon the skin has been publicized, but very few have paid attention to it. The time to do so is now. Age spots have become an increasing problem among today’s suntan-crazy population, particularly the female portion. N-acetylglucosamine has been found to reduce the amount of melanin in the skin cells, thereby reducing the appearance of these unsightly spots.

N-acetylglucosamine has its drawbacks. As with other forms of glucosamine those with shellfish allergies should be extremely cautious; although the allergen which generally causes anaphylaxis in those who suffer from shellfish allergies has been found to reside within the body of the shellfish rather than in its shell it still pays to be cautious. N-acetylglucosamine has also been found to be much more difficult for the body to digest; however, with further study its contribution to the field of medicine may be much greater than anyone could have predicted.