Glucosamine hydrochloride was chosen instead of glucosamine
sulfate for a number of reasons. The hydrochloride form is more
concentrated than the sulfate form, and the hydrochloride form
contains substantially less sodium per effective dose than the
sulfate form. Glucosamine sulfate is stabilized with sodium
chloride (table salt) and can contain as much as 30% sodium. This
is a consideration for individuals who want to reduce their
dietary intake of sodium.
Glucosamine hydrochloride offers the promise of the same efficacy
as glucosamine sulfate, since glucosamine is not absorbed intact
with its carrier. The body doesn’t care how it gets glucosamine
as long as it is bioavailable. Nonetheless, we embarked on
clinical research to prove the efficacy of the hydrochloride form.
We first conducted pilot testing, which indicated benefit for
those with osteoarthritis. We then went forward with a full-scale,
double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention trial with
glucosamine hydrochloride, the results, of which, are published in
the Journal of Rheumatology listed in the references on the next
page. Results showed a strong, beneficial effect for between 60
and 70% of the subjects, compared to their baseline symptoms.
Other clinical
studies
“Pharmacokinetics of glucosamine in man” (Setnikar et.al.), a
study referencing the bioavailability of glucosamine, states that
after oral administration, glucosamine sulfate is rapidly split
into glucosamine and sulfate ions and absorbed. After absorption,
the sulfate ions enter the blood stream where a steady level
already exists. None of the clinical studies performed with
glucosamine sulfate indicate that sulfate contributed to the
benefits shown in the study. As a matter of clarification, while
this study references glucosamine sulfate, it was actually
glucosamine hydrochloride that was radiolabeled and used to prove
the bioavailability of glucosamine. We can conclude that since
sulfate and hydrochloride are not the key building blocks for the
production of joint cartilage, it makes no difference whether
glucosamine has a sulfate or hydrochloride carrier, in terms of
bioavailability.
There is no evidence to suggest
that glucosamine sulfate offers advantages over glucosamine
hydrochloride. There is no need for glucosamine hydrochloride to
be stabilized with salt. Hydrochloride offers a more concentrated
form of glucosamine. Given these facts, the glucosamine product of
choice for consumers should be Glucosamine hydrochloride
References
1. Houpt JB, McMillan R, Paget-Dellio D, Russel A, Gahunia HK
Effect of treatment of glucosamine hydrochloride in the treatment
of pain in osteoarthritic of the knee. J Rheumatology 1998; 25 (supplemement
52): 8.
2. Noack W, Fischer M, Forster KK, Rovati LC, Setnikar I.
Glucosamine sulfate in osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis
Cart 1994; 2:51-9.
3. Muller-Fabbender H, Bach GL, Haase W, Rovati LC, Setnikar I.
Glucosamine sulfate compared to ibuprofen in osteoarthritis of the
knee. Osteoarthritis Cart 1994; 2:61-9.
4. Setnikar L, Palumbo R, Canali S,
Zanolo G. Pharmacokinetics of glucosmine in man.
Arzneimittelforschung 1993;43:1109-13.
5. Vaz AL. Double-blind clinical evaluation of the relative
efficacy of ibuprofen and glucosamine sulphate in the management
of osteoarthrosis of the knee in out patients. Curr Med Res Opin
1982;8:145-9.
6. Drovanti A, Bignamini AA, Rovati AL. Therapeutic activity of
oral glucosamine sulfate in osteoarthritis: A placebo-controlled,
double-blind investigation. Clin Ther 1980;3:260-72.
7. Pujalte JM, Llavore EP, Ylescupidez FR. Double-blind clinical
evaluation of oral glucosamine sulphate in the basic treatment of
osteoarthritis. Curr Med Res Opin 1980;7:110-14.
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