Glucosamine Sulphate vs Hydrochloride
Glucosamine sulphate and glucosamine hydrochloride are two forms of the same compound, and the label tells you which one you are buying.
Glucosamine sulphate
Glucosamine sulphate is glucosamine bound to sulphate. On its own it does not stay stable, so it is usually stabilised with a salt, either sodium chloride or potassium chloride. That is why you will see labels such as "glucosamine sulphate sodium chloride" or "glucosamine sulfate 2KCl". Complete Joint Care uses glucosamine sulphate sodium chloride, 750 mg in every 5 g serve.
Glucosamine hydrochloride
Glucosamine hydrochloride (often written glucosamine HCl) is glucosamine bound to hydrochloric acid. It needs no stabilising salt, so a given weight contains more glucosamine itself. When comparing products, check whether the label gives the weight of the whole compound or the glucosamine content.
N-acetyl glucosamine
N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG) is a different molecule again and is usually sold separately. It is not the form used in most glucosamine and chondroitin products.
Glucosamine sulphate vs hydrochloride at a glance
| Sulphate | Hydrochloride | |
|---|---|---|
| Also written | Sulfate, sulphate NaCl, sulfate 2KCl | HCl |
| Stabilising salt | Usually sodium or potassium chloride | None |
| Typical source | Shellfish | Shellfish, sometimes corn fermentation |
| In Complete Joint Care | Yes, 750 mg per serve | No |
Because ours is from shellfish, Complete Joint Care carries a shellfish allergen warning. See glucosamine and chondroitin for the rest of the formula.