Glucosamine is a natural occurring chemical compound in the body and is often used in joint supplements to relieve joint pain caused by arthritis. It’s probably the most well-known component of joint supplements, so well-known that many joint supplements are just known as “glucosamine.” Unfortunately, your body’s natural glucosamine levels fall as you age, and this can lead to a slow breakdown of the joint compounds – which weakens your joints and causes joint pain. Glucosamine is also important because it contributes to cartilage formation and joint lubrication. So, getting a joint supplement with glucosamine is a good thing. However, there are two types of glucosamine you can get, and the differences can be drastic.
Glucosamine Sulfate Potassium
Glucosamine sulfate potassium (GSP) is the most common type of glucosamine found on the market and is the one most studied in animal and human trials. It is taken from the shells of shellfish and can also be made in a lab. The body uses GSP to make a variety of other chemicals that are used in the construction of cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and a thick fluid that is found around the joints. Taking a supplement with GSP could increase the cartilage or fluid around the joints and/or stop or slow the breakdown of these substances.
Glucosamine sulfate potassium is stabilized with sodium chloride, also known as table salt. The sulfate part of GSP is the most important component. Sulfur is necessary for building and repairing cartilage. GSP has been shown to work as well or better than some non-prescription pain medications, and is said to improve movement and pain levels. Another advantage of GSP is that there is some evidence that shows that using this component in a joint supplement may actually keep joint problems from progressing.
Many times, sulfur and sulfa are confused, but these elements are not the same thing. Allergies to drugs containing sulfa are very common, worrying some people about sulfur in joint supplement products. However, sulfa drugs combine sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen, and allergies are triggered by the actions of the molecule, not by the sulfur. It is actually impossible to have an allergy to sulfur. Sulfur is a chemical element found in sulfites, sulfates, and sulfa drugs. It is an indispensable element needed for the functions of the human body.
The National Institutes of Health, through their patient focused website “Medline Plus,” states that “The most research showing benefit is for products that contain glucosamine sulfate. Products that contain glucosamine hydrochloride do not seem to work as well.” (Source: medlineplus.gov)
Glucosamine Hydrochloride
Glucosamine hydrochloride (GHCl) has less evidence available showing its effectiveness. It is also found in the shells of shellfish. Unlike Glucosamine sulfate potassium, it lacks the sulfate component, which is needed by the body to produce and maintain cartilage. Glucosamine hydrochloride is more concentrated than the sulfate version and contains significantly less sodium. GHCl is often times combined with chondroitin in hopes for better results, but this is not currently supported by findings in trials and research.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) site Glucosamine HCl as offering “little benefit to those suffering from osteoarthritis” (Source: NIH.gov), and notes that there are limited studies of glucosamine HCL in humans.
Differences Between the Two
Both glucosamine sulfate potassium and glucosamine hydrochloride are found in joint supplements that help reduce pain, inflammation, and increase joint health. The major differences between to the two are:
Glucosamine sulfate potassium contains the sulfur required for building and repairing cartilage, while glucosamine hydrochloride does not.
The research on glucosamine hydrochloride is not substantial, while glucosamine sulfate has been clinically shown to improve joint health.
According to additional published research by the NIH, “The use of glucosamine in the management of osteoarthritis is supported by the clinical trials as performed with the original prescription product, that is, crystalline glucosamine sulfate. This is the stabilized form of glucosamine sulfate, while other formulations or different glucosamine salts (e.g. hydrochloride) have never been shown to be effective. (Source: NIH.gov)
As a result, many times people pick up a “glucosamine supplement,” but it’s not the right kind of glucosamine and the results are sub-par. If you’re looking for a supplement with glucosamine, we highly recommend getting a supplement with glucosamine sulfate potassium.
Studies suggest that glucosamine sulfate may work in treating and slowing the progression of osteoarthritis and other joint issues. As you shop for a joint supplement it’s crucial to know what types of ingredients are included.
Glucosamine Sulfate available in store on its own or with MSM in Joint packs
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