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Glucosamine Hydrochloride

This article provides general nutrition information only and is not medical advice.

Overview

Glucosamine is an amino sugar that is produced naturally in humans. It is also found in seashells, or it can be made in the laboratory. Glucosamine hydrochloride is one of several forms of glucosamine.

It is important to read the labels of glucosamine products carefully since several different forms of glucosamine are sold as supplements. These products may contain glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, or N-acetyl glucosamine. These different chemicals have some similarities. But they may not have the same effects when taken as a dietary supplement. Most of the scientific research on glucosamine has been done using glucosamine sulfate. See the separate listing for glucosamine sulfate. The information on this page is about glucosamine hydrochloride.

Dietary supplements that contain glucosamine often contain additional ingredients. These additional ingredients are frequently chondroitin sulfate, MSM, or shark cartilage. Some people think these combinations work better than taking just glucosamine alone. So far, researchers have found no proof that combining the additional ingredients with glucosamine adds any benefit.

Products that contain glucosamine and glucosamine plus chondroitin vary a great deal. Some do not contain what the label claims. The difference can range from 25% to 115%. Some products in the US that are labeled glucosamine sulfate are actually glucosamine hydrochloride with added sulfate. This product will likely have different effects than one containing glucosamine sulfate.

Glucosamine hydrochloride is used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, glaucoma, a jaw imbalance called temporomandibular imbalance (TMD), joint pain, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Amino sugar

Primary Functions:

Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, glaucoma

Also Known As:

Amino Monosaccharide, Chitosamine Hydrochloride, Chlorhidrato de Glucosamina

How Does It Work?

Glucosamine in the body is used to make a "cushion" that surrounds the joints. In osteoarthritis, this cushion becomes thinner and stiff. Taking glucosamine hydrochloride as a supplement might help to supply the materials needed to rebuild the cushion.

Some researchers believe that glucosamine hydrochloride might not work as well as glucosamine sulfate. They think the "sulfate" part of glucosamine sulfate is the important factor because sulfate is needed by the body to produce cartilage.

Uses

  • Heart condition. People who take glucosamine might have a lower risk of developing heart condition. But it's unclear what dose or form of glucosamine might work best. Other forms of glucosamine include glucosamine sulfate and N-acetyl glucosamine. It's also unclear if this lower risk is from glucosamine or from following healthier lifestyle habits.
  • High levels of lipid balance or other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia). Early research suggests that glucosamine hydrochloride does not affect lipid balance or triglyceride levels in people with high lipid balance.
  • A imbalance that affects the bones and joints, usually in people with selenium deficiency (Kashin-Beck condition). Early evidence shows that taking glucosamine hydrochloride along with chondroitin sulfate reduces pain and improves physical function in adults with a bone and joint imbalance called Kashin-Beck condition. The effects of glucosamine sulfate on concerns of Kashin-Beck condition are mixed when the supplement is taken as a single agent.
  • Knee pain. There is some early evidence that glucosamine hydrochloride might relieve pain for some people with frequent knee pain. But other research shows that taking glucosamine hydrochloride along with other ingredients does not relieve pain or improve walking ability in people with knee pain.
  • Osteoarthritis. There is conflicting evidence about the effectiveness of glucosamine hydrochloride for osteoarthritis. Most of the evidence supporting the use of glucosamine hydrochloride comes from studies of a particular product (CosaminDS). This product contains a combination of glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate, and manganese ascorbate. Some evidence suggests that this combination can improve pain in people with knee osteoarthritis. This combination might work better in people with mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis than in people with severe osteoarthritis. Another product (Gurukosamin & Kondoroichin) containing glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate, and quercetin glycosides also seems to improve knee osteoarthritis concerns. The effects of taking glucosamine hydrochloride along with only chondroitin sulfate are mixed. Some evidence shows that taking a specific product (Droglican) containing glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate reduces pain in adults with knee osteoarthritis. However, other research shows that formulas containing glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate are not effective at reducing pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Most research suggests that taking glucosamine hydrochloride alone does not reduce pain in people with osteoarthritis of the knee. More research has been done on glucosamine sulfate (see separate listing) than on glucosamine hydrochloride. There is some thought that glucosamine sulfate may be more effective than glucosamine hydrochloride for osteoarthritis. Most research comparing the two forms of glucosamine showed no difference. However, some researchers have criticized the quality of some of these studies.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Early research shows that taking a specific glucosamine hydrochloride product (Rohto Pharmaceuticals Co.) in combination with prescription medical nutritional supports reduces pain compared to a sugar pill. However, this product does not seem to decrease physical strain or reduce the number of painful or swollen joints.
  • Stroke. People who take glucosamine might have a slightly lower risk of having a stroke. But it's unclear what dose or form of glucosamine might work best. Other forms of glucosamine include glucosamine sulfate and N-acetyl glucosamine. It's also unclear if this lower risk is from glucosamine or from following healthier lifestyle habits.
  • A group of painful conditions that affect the jaw joint and muscle (temporomandibular imbalances or TMD). Early research shows that taking a combination of glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate, and calcium ascorbate twice daily reduces joint swelling and pain, as well as noise made at the jaw joint, in people with temporomandibular imbalance.
  • A group of eye imbalances that can lead to vision loss (glaucoma).
  • Back pain.
  • Weight loss.
  • Other conditions.

Recommended Dosing

The appropriate dose of glucosamine hydrochloride depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for glucosamine hydrochloride. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Glucosamine Hydrochloride Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

Is glucosamine hydrochloride effective?

Glucosamine hydrochloride, another form of glucosamine, is available as a nutritional supplement and is considered to be as effective as the sulfate form although there are fewer completed studies to review.

Is glucosamine sulfate better than glucosamine hydrochloride?

The hydrochloride form is more concentrated than the sulfate form, and the hydrochloride form contains substantially less sodium per effective dose than the sulfate form. Glucosamine hydrochloride offers the promise of the same efficacy as glucosamine sulfate, since glucosamine is not absorbed intact with its carrier.

Does glucosamine hydrochloride raise cardiovascular health?

Glucosamine might increase insulin levels. High insulin levels are associated with increased cardiovascular health. However, this effect has not been reported in humans. To be on the safe side, monitor your cardiovascular health closely if you take glucosamine hydrochloride and have high cardiovascular health.

Does glucosamine work immediately?

When taken orally, glucosamine sulfate is absorbed readily into the system and can be traced to cartilage as soon as four hours after consumption. These studies suggest that glucosamine sulfate may inhibit the breakdown of cartilage associated with osteoarthritis and may have the potential to help build-up cartilage.

Who should not take glucosamine?

Who shouldn't take glucosamine? If you have a shellfish allergy, be careful about using glucosamine because you could have a reaction. Also, check with your doctor before taking the supplements if you: Have diabetes, kidney condition, heart condition, bleeding imbalances, or high cardiovascular health.

Does glucosamine make you gain weight?

It turns out that glucosamine can cause weight gain or weight loss depending on your eating habits. In a high carb/low fat diet, it has the potential to cause weight gain.

What time of day should Glucosamine be taken?

In most studies on treating osteoarthritis, the typical dose was 500 milligrams of glucosamine sulfate, three times a day. Ask your doctor what he recommends for you. Some experts suggest you take it with meals to prevent an upset stomach.

What foods are high in glucosamine?

It occurs naturally in the fluid around the joints, in animal bones, bone marrow, shellfish, and fungi. Glucosamine, especially glucosamine sulfate, is extracted from the shells of shellfish to make dietary supplements.

Which is better turmeric or glucosamine?

As Dr Sarah Brewer says, 'Turmeric is a powerful joint comfort. The turmeric helps your body to maintain a normal healthy inflammatory response, and the glucosamine has mild pain-relieving effects and cartilage-protective qualities.

How long does it take for glucosamine to start working?

Reported improvement (e.g. reduction in painful concerns) varies from three weeks to as much as eight weeks. Some studies have shown continued improvement of concerns after oral intake was stopped. Generally, if there is no pain reduction after two months, there is little chance of improvement.

Can glucosamine cause liver damage?

Glucosamine has been implicated in isolated case reports in causing clinically apparent liver injury, but the role of glucosamine as opposed to other herbal components or contaminants has not been shown, and liver injury due to glucosamine or chondroitin must be very rare if it occurs at all.

Is glucosamine bad for your heart?

Glucosamine, the dietary supplement widely used for arthritic pain, may reduce the risk for cardiovascular condition, researchers report. Compared with those who did not use the supplement, glucosamine users had an 18 percent lower risk of coronary heart condition, and a 15 percent lower risk of any cardiovascular event.

Is glucosamine bad for kidneys?

Glucosamine is extensively metabolised in the liver but has some renal excretion. Acute interstitial nephritis has been reported as a possible adverse effect of glucosamine. It is advisable to avoid glucosamine for patients with severe renal impairment and those on dialysis until more data are available.

Does glucosamine work for knees?

Regular supplementation with glucosamine sulfate has shown to have a small to moderate effect by slowing the rate of joint cartilage degeneration if taken regularly for three years. Chondroitin sulfate has been shown to be effective for relieving concerns of osteoarthritis.

Does glucosamine really help joints?

Some people swear that over-the-counter dietary supplements called glucosamine and chondroitin ease arthritis pain, reduce stiffness, and protect joints from further damage. Among 1,500 participants with knee osteoarthritis, glucosamine and chondroitin taken alone or together provided no more relief than placebo.

Which glucosamine is best for arthritis?

Some studies show an advantage to glucosamine sulfate; others to glucosamine hydrochloride. One study that compared the two glucosamine forms head to head found no real difference between them.

Can glucosamine be bad for you?

Glucosamine may affect blood sugar and insulin levels.  Animal studies show that glucosamine may further increase LDL "bad" lipid balance levels if you eat a lot of fatty foods. More research is needed. Glucosamine may interfere with some medicines.

Can glucosamine be taken long term?

Though glucosamine is used to support various joint, bone and inflammatory conditions, such as IBD, interstitial cystitis and TMJ, most research only supports its effectiveness for long-term osteoarthritis concerns management. It appears safe for most people at a dosage of 1,500 mg per day but may cause mild side effects.

What happens if you take too much glucosamine?

Glucosamine has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated. Common side effects are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. There is a risk for severe and life-threatening allergic reactions to glucosamine in people with shellfish allergy or those with asthma.

Is Glucosamine better than fish oil?

While fish-sourced omega-3 fatty acids are better known for their cardiovascular benefits, omega-3s have also been reported to benefit joint health. A recent study by Berlin-based CRO Analyze & Realize, reported that combining omega-3 fatty acids with glucosamine could be a better approach than using glucosamine alone.

Does glucosamine help with weight loss?

Theoretically, glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM supplementation may provide additive benefits to individuals with knee OA initiating an exercise and weight loss program. However, greater benefits would be observed in those following a higher protein diet with glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM supplementation.

Can glucosamine be taken with fish oil?

The combination of glucosamine sulfate (1500 milligrams per day) and omega-3 fatty acids (providing 444 mg of fish oil, of which 200 mg were omega-3-fatty acids), was found to produce significant pain reduction, compared to glucosamine alone.

What does Glucosamine do for the body?

Function. Glucosamine is vital for building cartilage. Cartilage is a flexible, tough connective tissue found in several parts of the body. This firm, rubbery tissue functions as padding at the ends of long bones where they meet joints.

Is Glucosamine an joint comfort?

Similar to non-steroidal joint comfort drugs, glucosamine sulfate has been shown to have unique joint comfort effects. Additionally, in some laboratory tests, the glucosamine supplement demonstrated a protective effect on the cartilage as well.

Is Glucosamine worth taking?

Regular supplementation with glucosamine sulfate has shown to have a small to moderate effect by slowing the rate of joint cartilage degeneration if taken regularly for three years. Chondroitin sulfate has been shown to be effective for relieving concerns of osteoarthritis.

Clinical Studies