Glucosamine hydrochloride

Glucosamine hydrochloride can be produced commercially by fermentation of grains (such as corn or wheat). Glucosamine is further converted to glucosamine hydrochloride, an acid salt form that is more stable than its free form.

Major Health Benefits

Upon ingestion, glucosamine hydrochloride molecules are completely ionized into free glucosamine. Glucosamine hydrochloride may benefit individuals suffering knee pain from osteoarthritis.1,2 It has also been suggested in preclinical and clinical studies that glucosamine hydrochloride may support normal joint health.3,4

Cautions

Because Glucosamine hydrochloride may boost the effect of blood thinning medication (e.g., warfarin), it is recommended to consult with a doctor if currently taking blood-thinning medication.5

References

  1. Braham R, Dawson B, Goodman C. The effect of glucosamine supplementation on people experiencing regular knee pain. Br J Sports Med. 2003 Feb;37(1):45-9; discussion 49.PMID: 12547742; PMCID: PMC1724589.
  2. Houpt JB, McMillan R, Wein C, Paget-Dellio SD. Effect of glucosamine hydrochloride in the treatment of pain of osteoarthritis of the knee. J Rheumatol. 1999 Nov;26(11):2423-30.PMID: 10555905.
  3. Orth MW, Peters TL, Hawkins JN. Inhibition of articular cartilage degradation by glucosamine-HCl and chondroitin sulphate. Equine Vet J Suppl. 2002 Sep;(34):224-9.PMID: 12405691.
  4. Fox BA, Stephens MM. Glucosamine hydrochloride for the treatment of osteoarthritis symptoms. Clin Interv Aging. 2007;2(4):599-604.PMID: 18225460; PMCID: PMC2686334.
  5. Medline Plus. Accessed July 8, 2015. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/747.html Assessed in July 2015.