Glucosamine Hydrochloride

Glucosamine, a naturally occurring amino sugar has been available for decades and is used to treat osteoarthritis. It is used as the basis for the synthesis of all glycosylated proteins and lipids, and nitrogen-containing sugars. It is produced by the human body and is used as a forerunner in the formation of larger molecules called glycosaminoglycans that are necessary for the growth and repair of cartilage. Glycosaminoglycans are a key constituent of bones, tendons, ligaments and fluids in the joint.

Glucosamine has three chemical forms: glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride and n-acetyl-glucosamine. Glucosamine hydrochloride is more concentrated than the sulfate form and contains comparatively less sodium per effective dose. It carries out important functions in the human body like the detoxification of liver and kidney, and protection of the liver from inflammation.

Glucosamine hydrochloride is used in the treatment of gastric ulcers, to cure torn cartilages and to control the growth of cells. This form of Glucosamine is used extensively in the manufacture of antibiotics, anti cancer drugs and cosmetics. It is prepared synthetically or derived from the exoskeletons of marine creatures.

Glucosamine hydrochloride is preferred over Glucosamine sulfate form because it is more effective and less expensive. The reason for its effectiveness is that it is more pure. It is about 99% pure and is very stable.

Glucosamine sulfate is made from glucosamine hydrochloride by adding either sulfate or potassium. This leads to the presence of impurities. Another reason for the preference of Glucosamine hydrochloride is that its usage ensures the receipt of 83 percent of glucosamine to the problem areas that need treatment as compared to the sulfate form that delivers only 62 percent. In other words you would have to take 1995 milligrams of glucosamine sulfate to equal the effects of glucosamine hydrochloride.

The process of digestion is also one of the important reasons as to why hydrochloride is preferred over sulfate. The stomach contains hydrochloric acid that is required for the digestion of food. When glucosamine sulfate enters the stomach the sulfate molecule is cut off and the hydrochloride molecule is attached, effectively transforming it into glucosamine hydrochloride. Therefore it is advisable to take the form that is readily accepted and prevent unwanted salts in your body.