Difference Between Human and Animal Glucosamine

The main difference between human and animal glucosamine is that the human glucosamine can be glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride or N-acetyl-glucosamine whereas the animal glucosamine is mainly glucosamine hydrochloride, which has a higher absorption rate in animals.

Human and animal glucosamine are the building blocks of cartilages. They are readily used as supplements to increase cartilage while preventing destruction. Hence, they are given as supplements to relieve the pain in osteoarthritis (OA).

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Human Glucosamine
     – Definition, Types, Role
2. What is Animal Glucosamine
     – Definition, Types, Role
3. What are the Similarities Between Human and Animal Glucosamine
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Human and Animal Glucosamine
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Animal Glucosamine, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Human Glucosamine, Osteoarthritis (OA)

What is Human Glucosamine

Human glucosamine is a supplement given to relieve pain, which occurs in OA. It can be glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride or N-acetyl-glucosamine. In most cases, all of the three chemicals show a similar effect. However, glucosamine sulfate is the most widely studied form of glucosamine. Glucosamine sulfate is prescribed for various conditions such as osteoarthritis, joint pain including knee pain, back pain, and jaw pain, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, weight loss, a bladder condition called interstitial cystitis. It is also prescribed for HIV/AIDS as an oral supplement.

Figure 1: Glucosamine Sulfate

Glucosamine is an amino sugar involved in the formation of bones and cartilages in both humans as well as many animals. It is also important in the formation of synovial fluid, which is the thick fluid found around the joints, reducing friction between the articular cartilages. It can reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints.

What is Animal Glucosamine

Animal glucosamine is a supplement given for the problems of bones and joints in animals. Glucosamine supplements prescribed for humans is suitable for the animals as well. However, the main type of glucosamine in most supplements produced for animals is glucosamine hydrochloride, which is due to the comparatively high absorption rate.

Figure 2: Glucosamine

Generally, Glucosamine hydrochloride is applied on the skin for OA in combination with chondroitin sulfate, shark cartilage, and camphor due to its ability of better absorption. Also, glucosamine hydrochloride is the substance found in the blood after the administration of glucosamine. Therefore, it is given parenterally for OA.

Similarities Between Human and Animal Glucosamine

• Human and animal glucosamine are the building blocks of cartilage.
• Both can be isolated from the shells of the shellfish.
• They are given as supplements in OA to relieve pain.
• Both prevent the destruction of cartilage.

Difference Between Human and Animal Glucosamine

Definition

Human glucosamine refers to the glucosamine supplements given to relieve the pain in osteoarthritis while animal glucosamine refers to the glucosamine supplements given for joint problems in animals, which is mainly composed of glucosamine hydrochloride.

Types

The human glucosamine can be glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride or N-acetyl-glucosamine while animal glucosamine is mainly glucosamine hydrochloride.

Rates of Absorption

The rate of absorption of human glucosamine is comparatively low while the animal glucosamine has a higher rate of absorption.

Conclusion

Human glucosamine is a supplement given to relieve pain in OA. It can be glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride or N-acetyl-glucosamine. Animal glucosamine is the supplements given to animals for their problems in joints. The main component of animal glucosamine supplements is glucosamine hydrochloride due to the high rate of absorption. The main difference between human and animal glucosamine is the composition of the supplements.

Reference:

1. “Glucosamine Sulfate: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning.” WebMD, WebMD, Available Here
2. “Glucosamine Hydrochloride Information | Evidenced-Based Supplement Guide on MedicineNet.com.” MedicineNet, Available Here

Image Courtesy: 

1. “Glucosamine sulfate” By Ed (Edgar181) – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia 
2. “Glucosamine Structural Formulae V” By Jü – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia