Glucosamine Sulfate vs. Glucosamine Hydrochloride

Loose white supplement capsules beside a bottle on a plain surface

Not all glucosamine is equal

If you have arthritis or joint pain there is a good chance that a friend, relative, or doctor has suggested glucosamine. Some people swear by glucosamine, while others don’t believe it does anything at all. Part of the reason people report such different experiences is because of the type of glucosamine they’re using. It is either the sulfate or hydrochloride form. That’s right, not all glucosamine is the same. There are two different forms:
  • Glucosamine Sulfate Potassium (GSP)
  • Glucosamine Hydrochloride (GHCl)
And unfortunately, not many people know the difference. At Flexcin, we study joint support supplements extensively. We put together some information on glucosamine in plain English that should help significantly when you’re looking for the right supplement.

What Is Glucosamine?

Glucosamine is a naturally occurring chemical compound in the body. It is often found in joint supplements as an ingredient that supports everyday joint comfort. It’s probably the most well-known component of joint supplements. It is so well-known that many joint supplements are just known as “glucosamine.” Unfortunately, your body’s natural glucosamine levels fall as you age. Over time this can contribute to the gradual breakdown of joint compounds, which is one reason joints feel weaker and less comfortable with age. 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 between them can be great.

Glucosamine Sulfate Potassium

Glucosamine sulfate potassium (GSP) is the most common type of glucosamine found on the market and is the one most often found in animal and human study 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 the thick fluid that is found around the joints. Taking a supplement with GSP is one way to support the cartilage and fluid around the joints. The way to stabilize glucosamine sulfate potassium is with sodium chloride, also known as table salt. The sulfate part of GSP is the most important component. Sulfur is needed for building and maintaining cartilage. GSP is one of the most studied forms of glucosamine and is associated with support for everyday joint movement and comfort. Another advantage of GSP is that it has been studied for its role in supporting long-term joint health.

Sulfur vs Sulfa

Many people confuse sulfur and sulfa. However, these are not the same thing. Allergies to drugs containing sulfa are very common. This often worries some people about sulfur in joint supplement products. However, sulfa drugs combine sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen, and trigger allergies from the actions of the molecule, not the sulfur. It is actually not possible to be allergic to sulfur itself. Sulfur is a chemical element found in sulfites, sulfates, and sulfa drugs. It is an indispensable element for functions of the human body. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states “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 research behind it. It is also found in the shells of shellfish. Unlike glucosamine sulfate potassium it lacks the sulfate component. This is the element your body needs to produce and maintain cartilage. Glucosamine HCl contains much less sodium. GHCl is often found paired with chondroitin in hopes of better results. However, current findings in trials and research do not support this. The NIH cites glucosamine HCl as offering “little benefit to those suffering from osteoarthritis” (Source: NIH.gov). It also notes that there are few studies of glucosamine HCl in humans.

Differences Between the Two

Both glucosamine sulfate potassium and glucosamine hydrochloride turn up in joint support supplements formulated to support everyday joint comfort, a healthy inflammatory response, and overall joint health. The major differences between the two are:
  1. Glucosamine sulfate potassium contains the sulfur the body requires for building and maintaining cartilage. Glucosamine HCl does not.
  2. The research on glucosamine HCl is not substantial, while glucosamine sulfate has been studied far more extensively for joint health.
According to additional 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 stabile form of glucosamine sulfate, while other formulations or different glucosamine salts (e.g. hydrochloride) has not 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 and they don’t get much out of it. If you’re looking for a supplement with glucosamine, we highly recommend getting a supplement with GSP. Research on glucosamine has focused largely on the sulfate form, which the NIH notes has the strongest supporting evidence for joint health. It’s crucial to know what types of ingredients are in your supplements. At Flexcin we hand pick our components for quality and for how well they are studied. Our ingredient choices come from years of research and formula evolution.

Does Glucosamine Work, and Is It Safe?

Whether glucosamine “works” often comes down to the form and how consistently it’s taken. The sulfate form has the most research behind it, and many people take it daily to support long-term joint comfort and mobility. Glucosamine is generally well tolerated — mild digestive upset is the most commonly reported effect. Because it’s typically sourced from shellfish, anyone with a shellfish allergy should check with their healthcare provider first.

Flexcin

On top of using glucosamine, Flexcin also uses CM8 (Cetyl Myristoleate). Cetyl myristoleate is a natural compound first identified by a researcher at the National Institutes of Health. It has been studied for its role in supporting a healthy inflammatory response and joint lubrication, and it is the subject of several U.S. patents related to joint health. You can read more about this compound at http://cetyl-myristoleate.com If you’re looking for a joint supplement we invite you to take a look at Flexcin. It’s made from natural ingredients, in the USA, and has a full money-back guarantee. Learn more about our joint support supplements.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results vary. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement.