Glucosamine Sulfate

Glucosamine sulfate is a dietary supplement commonly used for the treatment of osteoarthritis. It is often claimed to be more effective than other types of glucosamine for treating arthritis, although more research is needed to confirm these findings. Most researchers believe that glucosamine sulfate works by decreasing inflammation, stimulating chondrocytes, and decreasing the production of certain compounds that degrade cartilage.

What Is Glucosamine Sulfate?

Glucosamine sulfate is an extremely popular dietary supplement most often used to treat osteoarthritis, although it is claimed to be beneficial for a few other uses as well. It is derived from the shells of lobsters, shrimp, and crabs. The product is often used in combination with chondroitin, another dietary supplement. Some people claim that glucosamine sulfate may be more effective than other types of glucosamine for treating arthritis, but this has yet to be proven scientifically.
 
(Click Glucosamine Benefits for more information on what the supplement is used for.)
 

Potential Side Effects

Most studies show that glucosamine sulfate does not cause any more side effects than a placebo (a "sugar pill" with no active ingredients).
 However, there are a few side effects that may be attributed to the product, such as:
 
(Click Glucosamine Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
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