Glucosamine Sulfate vs. Glucosamine
- According to the Mayo Clinic, glucosamine is a natural compound found in the cells of healthy cartilage. The body produces glucosamine---an amino sugar---and distributes it to cartilage and other connective tissue. Glucosamine sulfate is simply a form of glucosamine. The Arthritis and Glucosamine Information Center says it is the form of glucosamine most widely tested and may be more effective, as it is a carrier molecule for glucosamine. Companies that manufacture glucosamine commercially generally derive the substance from shellfish.
- Glucosamine supplements, particularly those made of glucosamine sulfate, are used to treat osteoarthritis and joint pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, glucosamine sulfate treatment is beneficial for those struggling with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. The Mayo Clinic also says that the supplement helps provide relief for osteoarthritis and joint pain throughout the body due to its anti-inflammatory effect. The Arthritis and Glucosamine Information Center says that for long-term use, glucosamine treatments have fewer side effects than common non-steroid, anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or aspirin.
- The University of Utah School of Medicine recently coordinated a study testing the efficacy of glucosamine and other supplements and drugs for pain relief in those suffering from knee osteoarthritis. For those with severe knee pain, glucosamine combined with chondroitin sulfate provided pain relief when compared with a placebo. The test didn't specify whether glucosamine sulfate or another form of the substance was used.
- The Arthritis and Glucosamine Information Center recommends glucosamine sulfate as the superior type of the substance and recommends liquid forms because they are more absorbable. The Center doesn't recommend tablet forms, as they have very low absorption rates.
Also, using a supplement with glucosamine hydrochloride and glucosamine sulfate may be beneficial for pain relief. The Center says some studies have shown glucosamine hydrochloride to work on its own and when combined with glucosamine sulfate, so consider trying the two separately or combined to find out which works best for you. - According to the Arthritis and Glucosamine Information Center, glucosamine sulfate alone works fine as a supplement; however, avoid glucosamine sulfate supplements that also contain potassium or salt (NaCL or KCI). These supplements generally have added salt to make the product cheaper, which makes them less effective.
