The Importance of Choosing Good Quality Glucosamine

Even with more than 800 purported remedies for arthritis, people largely depend on glucosamine to relieve themselves of joint pain and inflammation. These products are either sold alone or combined with chondroitin, and found as a nutritional supplement most commonly in the form of capsules, tablets or juice drinks. Glucosamine can be readily found in two forms, glucosamine hydrochloride and glucosamine sulfate are the most common.

But are all glucosamine products created equal? Mind you, the supplement industry in the Unites States is worth $20 billion and there are chances that you may be susceptible to fly by the night manufacturers. Here’s what you ought to know about good quality glucosamine:

• Not all glucosamine formulations work well. For instance, glucosamine chondroitin combinations are known to work well, are the most researched ingredients for joint health, but how and where the products are manufactured makes all the difference in how safe and effective they are at the consumer level.

• It is also important to check the source of the product’s ingredients. Chondroitin is mostly sourced from bovine or porcine, and Glucosamine is primarily sourced from crustaceans like shell fish. There are a couple glucosamines on the market that are shell fish-free and vegetable sourced. Look for pharmaceutical grade, US sourced and manufactured, and Kosher and/or vegetarian for purity.

• FDA guidelines that control the manufacturing, marketing and sale of supplements are very strict here in the United States compared to other countries. Choose American made glucosamine supplements to be sure you’re getting what is claimed on the label. Products should be made in US GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) facilities, and should meet all National Formulary specifications.