A 45-year-old member asked:
How are glucosamine sulfate and n-acetyl glucosamine different?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Stephen Quinnananswered
21 years experience
Very little: Glucosamine exists as a chemical pair with an oppositely charged molecule. Sulfate or an acetyl group can fill this roll. Nutritionally, the glucosamine is what matters so there is really little difference.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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A 34-year-old member asked:
What are the differences between glucosamine sulfate and n-acetyl glucosamine?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. David Milleranswered
Family Medicine 12 years experience
Different forms: Glucosamine is a supplement currently used for joint health. It comes in various forms, two of which you have listed. The difference is simply the side-groups on the glucosamine molecule (sulfate vs n-acetyl group). The one most studied is glucosamine sulfate. Studies suggest that it shows promise for osteoarthritis but the jury is still out.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Whats the difference between glucosamine sulfate and n-acetyl glucosamine?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Thomas Nameyanswered
Rheumatology 50 years experience
Absorption.: The n-acetyl variant is more quickly absorbed. I would not pay the higher cost, though, since the sulfate variant is also well absorbed, albeit not as quickly. Also, glcnac is the monomeric unit of the polymer chitin, which forms the outer coverings of insects and crustaceans. It is the main component of the cell walls of fungi, therefore, sourced difference.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Jun 12, 2013
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