Glucosamine Sulfate
Also known as: glucosamine sulphate, glucosamine sulfate potassium chloride, glucosamine sulfate 2KCl, crystalline glucosamine sulfate
An amino sugar that is a building block of cartilage glycosaminoglycans, sold as the sulfate salt stabilized with potassium or sodium chloride. It is the most-studied glucosamine form for joint comfort, with a Cochrane review finding benefits concentrated in trials using a specific crystalline preparation at 1,500 mg/day. Most commercial material is derived from shellfish shells, though fermentation-derived vegan grades exist.
Research summary
Provides substrate for glycosaminoglycan and proteoglycan synthesis in cartilage and may reduce cartilage-degrading enzyme activity.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,500 mg | 1,500 mg | 1,500 mg | — |
1,500 mg once daily, or 500 mg three times daily, for at least eight weeks is the studied protocol. Doses refer to glucosamine sulfate; the 2KCl-stabilized material is about 75% glucosamine sulfate by mass, so check the supplier's assay basis. Effects, where present, develop over weeks rather than days.
Standardization: Specify glucosamine sulfate 2KCl or 2NaCl and assay basis
Source material: shellfish (crab and shrimp shell) chitin; fermentation-derived vegan grades available
As supplied: Glucosamine sulfate 2KCl is roughly 75% glucosamine sulfate and about 59% glucosamine base by mass.
Forms of Glucosamine
| Form | Typical dose | Element % | Formats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glucosamine Sulfate | 1,500 mg | — | Tablet, Capsule, Powder, Liquid | low |
| Glucosamine Hydrochloride | 1,500 mg | — | Tablet, Capsule, Powder, Liquid, Gummy | low |
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
1,500 mg requires two large tablets or three size-00 capsules, so tablets dominate. Hygroscopic; the potassium chloride salt improves stability. Soluble and mildly salty in liquids.
Formulation notes
Almost always paired with chondroitin sulfate and MSM. Shellfish-derived material requires an allergen statement; substitute a fermentation grade for vegan or allergen-free products. Contributes potassium or sodium from the stabilizing salt.
- Allergen: shellfish
Sources
Related ingredients
Collagen Peptides (Bovine, Type I/III)
ProteinEnzymatically hydrolyzed collagen from bovine hide or bone, delivering short peptides rich in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline.
Typical: 2.5–15 g
Boron (Citrate/Glycinate Complex)
MineralBoron supplied as a blend of citrate, aspartate, and glycinate complexes, the usual form in bone, joint, and men's-hormone formulas.
Typical: 3–10 mg
Chondroitin Sulfate
OtherA sulfated glycosaminoglycan that is a major structural component of cartilage, where it holds water and resists compression.
Typical: 800–1,200 mg
Glucosamine Hydrochloride
OtherThe hydrochloride salt of glucosamine, which is more concentrated and more stable than the sulfate form and therefore cheaper per milligram of glucosamine.
Typical: 1,500 mg
Manganese Bisglycinate
MineralManganese chelated with glycine, about 15% elemental manganese in commercial grades, used in bone, joint, and antioxidant formulas where manganese serves as a cofactor for enzymes involved in cartilage and bone matrix formation.
Typical: 1–5 mg