Difference Between Glucosamine Sulfate and Glucosamine Sulfate Potassium Chloride

The key difference between glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine sulfate potassium chloride is that glucosamine sulfate is a naturally occurring substance in the human body, whereas glucosamine sulfate potassium chloride is a synthetic substance.

Both glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine sulfate potassium chloride are derivatives of glucosamine amino sugar.

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Glucosamine
3. What is Glucosamine Sulfate
4. What is Glucosamine Sulfate Potassium Chloride
5. Glucosamine Sulfate vs Glucosamine Sulfate Potassium Chloride in Tabular Form
6. Summary

What is Glucosamine?

Glucosamine refers to an amino sugar that is a prominent precursor for the biochemical synthesis of glycosylated proteins and lipids. It helps in the build-up of two polysaccharide structures, chitosan and chitin. Moreover, this substance is one of the most abundant monosaccharides. Commercially, glucosamine can be produced through the hydrolysis of shellfish exoskeletons or through the fermentation of grains (e.g. corn or wheat).

Figure 01: The Chemical Structure of Glucosamine Sulfate

The chemical formula of glucosamine is C6H13NO5, and the molar mass of this compound is 179.17 g/mol. There are two enantiomers of glucosamine as D-glucosamine and L-glucosamine. Among them, the D form is the most common form.

Commercially, glucosamine is sold as a dietary supplement which is helpful in supporting the structure and function of joints of our body. The common forms of glucosamine sold are glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine chondroitin, glucosamine hydrochloride, and N-acetylglucosamine. However, only glucosamine sulfate form gives the desired effect for osteoarthritis.

What is Glucosamine Sulfate?

Glucosamine sulfate is a naturally occurring sugar we can find in and around the fluid and tissues cushioning our joints (cartilage). Often, this substance is commercially available as a dietary supplement which is prepared mainly using shellfish. Moreover, we can make it in laboratories through chemical processes. However, we cannot get glucosamine sulfate naturally from foods because this substance occurs only in the human body and in the shells of shellfish.

This substance is important in relieving pain related to osteoarthritis. This osteoarthritis is a disease that occurs due to a breakdown of cartilage which can cause joint pain. However, according to some research studies, glucosamine sulfate is not effective among patients who have had this condition for a long time or patients who are overweight. Moreover, this supplement is not fast-acting, meaning it may take about 4 to 8 weeks to relieve the pain.

According to other studies, glucosamine sulfate can reduce osteoarthritis of the hip or spine, arthritis of the temporomandibular joint in the jaw, and help people to bend and flex knees better after a knee injury, etc.

Besides, there can be some side effects of glucosamine sulfate, including constipation, diarrhoea, drowsiness, headache, heartburn, nausea, and rash. Moreover, it can affect the blood sugar level and insulin level.

What is Glucosamine Sulfate Potassium Chloride?

Glucosamine sulfate potassium chloride is a chemical substance that is useful for treating osteoarthritis, deficiency of protein, electrolyte imbalance, etc. This substance works by reducing the need for pain removing analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory disease. However, there can be some side effects of using this substance, including abdominal cramps, nausea and diarrhoea.