Glucosamine: the great debate

You may have noticed that there are different varieties of glucosamine in the marketplace. So without being a biochemist, how do you know which one to buy?

In a nutshell, there are two main kinds – glucosamine sulphate and glucosamine hydrochloride and both have their merits.

Glucosamine sulphate is well researched showing that it supports healthy structural composition of all connective tissue. It has been shown in studies to be excellent for maintaining healthy joints especially the knees.

Whilst glucosamine hydrochloride is not as well researched is has been shown to be equally bioavailable and it has a higher amount of glucosamine in the molecule compared to other forms, yielding more glucosamine per dose. This form is thought to be better absorbed by those with low stomach acid levels too.

Don’t be swayed by the glucosamine debate. Do your knees a favour and take your daily dose, sulphate or HCl, so when you are “over the hill”, your joints will still carry you over a hill!

(Originally published in Health & Herbal News Magazine Volume 19, Issue 2)