The Difference Between Glucosamine Sulfate & Glucosamine HCL

Glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride (HCl) are different salts of glucosamine, a product derived from shellfish and used to treat pain caused by osteoarthritis.

History

• According to The Arthritis & Glucosamine Information Center, glucosamine sulfate (sometimes spelled glucosamine sulphate) is the product that's been tested in dozens of clinical trials involving people with osteoarthritis.

Identification

• Since the sulfate and hydrochloride ions serve only as carrier molecules for the glucosamine, The Arthritis & Glucosamine Information Center states that both forms of the product are equal in effectiveness.

Expert Insight

• Research findings comparing the two forms of glucosamine are confusing. Some studies have shown glucosamine sulfate to be the most effective in relieving arthritis pain, whereas others have demonstrated that glucosamine hydrochloride is more effective.

Cost

• According to Nutrasense.com, glucosamine sulfate is 1.5 times more expensive than glucosamine hydrochloride, so it makes sense to consider economic factors when choosing your supplement.

Tip

• The Arthritis & Glucosamine Information Center publishes a product guide that allows you to compare glucosamine products using nine different criteria, including price and quality.

Warning

• Avoid products that add unnecessary potassium chloride (KCl) or sodium chloride (NACl) to either glucosamine sulfate or glucosamine hydrochloride. These components can make up 30 percent of the supplement and can decrease its pain-relieving effects.