Pharmacy and Medications

Is Glucosamine HCL Better than Glucosamine Sulfate?

07/17/2008 12:15PM

Question:

Is Glucosamine HCL better than Glucosamine sulfate?

Answer:

Glucosamine sulfate has been studied the most for osteoarthritis. Both glucosamine hydrochloride and glucosamine sulfate are salt forms of glucosamine with the hydrochloride and the sulfate as the salt portion. In the stomach, the salt portion should disconnect from the molecule leaving the glucosamine base alone. In theory, the two forms should be equal.   But they have not been compared in head-to-head tests.

Some experts think the sulfate part of glucosamine sulfate is the part that benefits osteoarthritis.   Sulfate is required for the body to make cartilage. The glucosamine portion of glucosamine sulfate may simply allow the body to have more useable sulfate.

The current evidence is inconclusive.   More studies need to be done before your question can be answered with certainty.

Talk to your doctor about the best product for you. Read product labels carefully. There is great variability among glucosamine and glucosamine plus chondroitin products.

Reference: Jellin JM, Gregory PJ, et al. Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database.   10th ed. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research Faculty; 2008:pg 687-694.

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Response by:

Carmen M. Hadley, RPh, CSPI
Clinical Instructor
Central Ohio Poison Center
Nationwide Children’s Hospital
College of Pharmacy
The Ohio State University