Best Glucosamine Sulfate contains pure glucosamine sulfate, as confirmed by HPLC testing. Glucosamine sulfate consists of glucosamine, an amino sugar extracted from shellfish skeletons. "Chitin", the resilient polysaccharide that forms the structural framework of animal shells, is a long-chain polymer consisting of many glucosamine molecules linked together. The purified glucosamine is then sulfated and stabilized with potassium chloride. Note: Best Glucosamine Sulfate is sodium-free. It contains 24-26% potassium chloride.

Benefits

Supplies the body with building material for cartilage
Cartilage, a "connective tissue," is composed of cells (chondrocytes), protein fibers (chiefly collagen) and clusters of complex molecules called "proteoglycans." A proteoglycan consists of a long protein (polypeptide) with many side chains attached to it. (The structure of proteoglycan looks somewhat like a test-tube brush.) The attached side chains are polysaccharides-chiefly chondroitin sulfate and keratin sulfate. Glucosamine is a key component of keratin sulfate. Glucosamine is also a component of hyaluronic acid, another glycosaminoglycan found in cartilage and other connective tissues. Hyaluronic acid forms the backbone for the proteoglycan clusters. Glycosaminoglycans have a strong attraction for water. The water-holding ability of proteoglycan clusters to hold water gives cartilage its strong, sponge-like quality. It also allows nutrients to flow into cartilage and wastes to flow out.

Supports Joint Structure and Function
Glucosamine sulfate is one the most important nutritional supplements for joint health ever developed. Glucosamine sulfate provides significant benefits for both the structure and function of joints. Many years of research have produced unequivocal evidence that glucosamine sulfate normalizes cartilage metabolism, slows breakdown of cartilage, and improves joint function.
Glucosamine sulfate has been thoroughly researched over the last 20 years. Experimental studies and human clinical trials convincingly demonstrate that orally consumed glucosamine sulfate improves joint function.In one large open trial, over 1200 people took oral glucosamine sulfate for periods ranging from 36 to 64 days. 252 physicians participated in this multi-center study. 95% of the subjects experienced greater joint comfort and increased mobility. The physicians reported "good" results in 59%, and "sufficient" results in 36%. The improvements lasted for up to three months after the glucosamine sulfate was discontinued.
The effectiveness of glucosamine sulfate for joint health has been shown in double-blind, placebo-controlled research. One study compared glucosamine sulfate to "ibuprofen," a commonly used pain medication, over an eight week period. During the first two weeks, better results were seen with ibuprofen, but by the eighth week, glucosamine sulfate produced greater improvements in pain scores.

Provides Sulfur, the Key Structural Mineral in Cartilage
Sulfur, one of the body's essential structural minerals, is incorporated into the structure of glycosaminoglycans such as chondroitin sulfate and keratin sulfate.

Why Potassium-Stabilized Glucosamine Sulfate is PreferableIn order for glucosamine sulfate to be processed for oral consumption as a supplement, it must be stabilized with either sodium or potassium. Either mineral works for this purpose. Potassium is preferable for numerous reasons; many people are on sodium-restricted diets, and the Standard American Diet tends to be high in sodium and low in potassium. Moreover, studies have found people needing joint support to be low in both salivary potassium and total body potassium.