Whats the difference between Glucosamine HCl and Glucosamine Sulphate?
Both Hydrochloride and Sulfate stabilize the glucosamine molecule into a solid form. In solution these molecules dissociates (“breaks apart”) into glucosamine ions and either hydrogen and chloride ions, or sulfate ions (both of which are present anyway in the body and do not contribute or do any harm). It is the glucosamine ions that are important. The glucosamine hydrochloride is a bit more dense than the sulfate form, that is, it has a lower molecular weight. Therefore, you get a little more glucosamine for the same weight unit in the HCl form than in the sulfate form. The HCl form is about 20% more expensive than the sulfate form, but it is better tolerated by animals and is therefore typically used in animal preparations. Other than that, there is really no difference between the two forms of glucosamine.