Question

Most of the information I’ve found suggests glucosamine sulfate is “better" than glucosamine hydrochloride (HCl). Is this accurate?

Answer

Several sources of glucosamine are used in equine joint supplements: hydrochloride (HCl), sulfate, and N-acetylglucosamine. A few studies report glucosamine sulfate to be more bioavailable than glucosamine HCl based on changes in blood parameters; however, direct study comparisons have not been made to substantiate this finding in horses.

Glucosamine is often referenced without indication of a specific source, suggesting that as long as the product provides appropriate amounts of the ingredient the source or delivery mechanism of glucosamine is not critical. Research has shown that glucosamine supplementation is protective when supplemented at 5,000-18,000 mg per day combined with chondroitin sulfate at 1,800-6,000 mg per day.

Recent research showed that supplementation with glucosamine HCl at 10,000 mg twice a day for 84 days was effective at minimizing cartilage damage in young horses after joint insult. Read a summary of this research. Glucosamine HCl has greater purity and stability properties compared to glucosamine sulfate, providing over 20% more glucosamine on an equal weight basis.