What is the Difference Between Glucosamine Sulfate and Glucosamine Chondroitin

The main difference between glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine chondroitin is that the glucosamine sulfate is the fluid found in the synovial fluid whereas glucosamine chondroitin is a supplement given for the pain in joints such as knee osteoarthritis. Furthermore, chondroitin is the basic building block of the cartilage.

Glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine chondroitin are two types of substances required for the health of the joints. They keep the joints cushioned and lubricated.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Glucosamine Sulfate
     – Definition, Facts, Importance
2. What is Glucosamine Chondroitin
     – Definition, Facts, Importance
3. What are the Similarities Between Glucosamine Sulfate and Glucosamine Chondroitin
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Glucosamine Sulfate and Glucosamine Chondroitin
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Cartilage, Chondroitin, Glucosamine Chondroitin, Glucosamine Sulfate, Synovial Fluid

What is Glucosamine Sulfate

Glucosamine sulfate is a substance required by the body for the formation of a variety of structures such as cartilages, ligaments, tendons, and the synovial fluid, which is a thick fluid found around the joints. The main function of the synovial fluid is to reduce friction between the articular cartilages of synovial joints during movement.

Figure 1: Synovial Joint

Glucosamine sulfate is used as a supplement in order to increase the cartilage and the synovial fluid around the joints while preventing their destruction. The sulfur in the glucosamine sulfate is critical for both building and repairing the cartilage.

Figure 2: Glucosamine Sulfate

Glucosamine sulfate is extracted from the shells of shellfish and is stabilized with sodium chloride. It is one of the most widely used supplements for the treatments of arthritis.

What is Glucosamine Chondroitin

Glucosamine chondroitin is a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin that can be used as a supplement to relieve joint pains. It contains both glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate. Chondroitin is the main component of the cartilage. It aids the absorption of water into the cartilage, facilitating the resistance to compression. Chondroitin also reduces pain, stiffness and swelling while improving joint function associated with osteoarthritis.

Figure 3: Chondroitin Sulfate

However, chondroitin does no absorb nearly as well as glucosamine. Also, glucosamine is more effective when compared to chondroitin. Nevertheless, chondroitin increases the effect when combined with glucosamine.   

Similarities Between Glucosamine Sulfate and Glucosamine Chondroitin

• Glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine chondroitin are two types of substances used to relieve the pain in joints.
• They help to keep joints cushioned and lubricated.
• Both have fewer side effects.
• Glucosamine and chondroitin help in the formation of cartilage.

Difference Between Glucosamine Sulfate and Glucosamine Chondroitin

Definition

The glucosamine sulfate refers to the sulfate salt of glucosamine, prepared artificially as a nutritional supplement and as a popular remedy for osteoarthritis while glucosamine chondroitin refers to a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin used as an over-the-counter dietary supplement to treat joint pain in osteoarthritis.

Number of Compounds

Glucosamine sulfate contains a single compound while glucosamine chondroitin contains two compounds: glucosamine and chondroitin.

Made from

The glucosamine sulfate is made from the shells of the shellfish while chondroitin is made from the cow cartilage.

Function

The glucosamine sulfate is a substance found in the synovial fluid and cartilage while glucosamine chondroitin prevents the degeneration of cartilage.

Effectiveness

Glucosamine sulfate is highly effective on osteoarthritis while glucosamine chondroitin is more effective when compared to glucosamine sulfate alone.

Conclusion

Glucosamine sulfate is a substance involved in the formation of cartilages and it is a component of cartilages. Chondroitin involves in the formation of cartilages and hydrating the cartilages. Glucosamine and chondroitin collectively have a higher effect on relieving the pain arisen due to osteoarthritis. The main difference between glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine chondroitin is the composition of each supplement and their effect.

Reference:

1. “Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Osteoarthritis.” National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 24 Sept. 2017, Available Here

Image Courtesy:

1. “907 Synovial Joints” By OpenStax College – Anatomy & Physiology, Connexions Web site, Jun 19, 2013. (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Glucosamine sulfate” By Ed (Edgar181) – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia 
3. “Chondroitin Sulfate Structure NTP” By The original uploader was Prithason at English Wikipedia.(Original text: National Toxicology Program) – Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons.(Original text: ntp.niehs.nih.gov) (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia