N-acetylglucosamine or N-Acetyl D-Glucosamine is a chemical that is naturally present in the human body. It is considered to be very essential and useful substance for the body. N-acetylglucosamine is a monosaccharide. Monosaccharides are the derivatives of carbohydrates, which cannot be further hydrolyzed; in other words these are the simplest and smallest subunits of carbohydrates. N-acetylglucosamine can be extracted from other natural sources like the outer shells of the shellfish. N-acetylglucosamine helps the body in making several other chemical agents which are used in the formation of bones, muscles and cartilages.

People who use seafood on a regular basis are having a surplus amount of N-acetylglucosamine in their body. This N-acetylglucosamine according to few medical specialists is very effective in providing support for the skeletal system of the humans. N-acetylglucosamine may provide strength to the ligaments and joints. Although, no scientific evidence is available to support this finding. No side effects of the N-acetylglucosamine are reported yet. Some people say that they are taking N-acetylglucosamine rich diet due to which their skin remains fresh and glowing. People who are taking shellfish in their diet, never reported anything abnormal regarding their health. A survey was carried out by few medical assistants, in which they found that people who are having greater amounts of N-acetylglucosamine in their body don’t have any bone deformities.

Another key factor of this survey was that, the people who  have greater amounts of N-acetylglucosamine in their body were having wrinkle free skin. Still further research is required to support the survey finding. Some people say that, if a person is having a greater level of N-acetylglucosamine in his body, he never gets heart disease. Few other people also claim that by taking N-acetylglucosamine as a food supplement they feel more energetic. Studies have shown that N-acetylglucosamine act as an immune booster and inhibit the entry of virus and bacteria in the human body.

Some medical specialists claim that they have found N-acetylglucosamine as a useful substance for those individuals who are suffering from gastric ulcers. Further research is required on this precise topic, although no health related issues are seen until now regarding the use of N-acetylglucosamine as a food supplement. A report was compiled by few science students on the use of N-acetylglucosamine in older age. The  report concluded that the people who were using N-acetylglucosamine as a food supplement in their diet, especially in older age were free from arthritis and other joint diseases. Still clinical evidence is required to support the finding of the report.

In few research studies, it was mentioned that; in some cases it was seen that people who were allergic to shellfish, got a headache and slight rash on the skin. Still, no proof is available regarding such kind of effect. Some people also complain that, excessive use of N-acetylglucosamine may sometimes cause hallucinations and vomiting. Yet, the use of N-acetylglucosamine is considered safe and is beneficial for the human body according to few medical specialists. Food supplements of N-acetylglucosamine are very safe for the people of all ages. It is also safe for the pregnant women and children. No side effects are seen in any case.  Still research is carried out on the effectiveness and side effects of the N-acetylglucosamine. Until now, no scientific proof and clinical evidence are available regarding the adverse effects of N-acetyl glucosamine. N-acetylglucosamine is present naturally in the human body, and its level is regulated by the body itself. Many doctors and scientists say that if a person is having N-acetylglucosamine rich diet, he lives healthier life. Studies show that N-acetylglucosamine is safe for all individuals.