Basically, glucosamine sulfate is composed of three components: glucose, an amine and sulfur. It is one of three forms of glucosamine available today, the other two being glucosamine hydrochloride and glucosamine NAS, although it is the most effective for use in humans especially those desiring of lessening the wear and tear on joints.  This is because glucosamine yields glucosamine-6-phosphate from the amination of glycolytic intermediate fructose-6-phosphate, which is then converted into galactosamine and incorporated into the GAG synthesis as the rate-limiting step in the process. In short, it maintains the connective tissues’ structural framework.

What Benefits Does It Have for Athletes?

Among athletes and bodybuilders, the occurrence of joint pain and injuries are higher mainly because of the stresses placed upon the joints and their cartilage during strenuous exercises. The cartilage, in turn, has a very important structure known as the Glycosamine Glycans (GAG) that serves as the nutrient base for its growth.  When engaging in bodybuilding activities, the weight-bearing joints take most of the stress. In time, cartilage destruction brought by higher than normal wear and tear ensues. This, in turn, leads to joint pain and, most disturbing to a physical athlete, limitation of joint motion. When these two joint problems combine, significant problems in weight training and strength training can and will arise.  However, with glucosamine sulfate supplementation, GAG production is stimulated to greater levels. When GAG is able to keep up with the demands of the stressed joints, faster joint repair is possible in addition to enhanced joint function. For athletes, who require optimal joint functioning, this is good news.

Another benefit of glucosamine sulfate supplementation is the significant reduction of joint pain even as joint repair is being accomplished. This is mainly due to the anti-inflammatory properties of the substance although other factors like its positive effects on nerve impulse inhibition also come into play.  Furthermore, studies have shown that glucosamine sulfate is absorbed by the body at a faster rate than most other joint supplements in the market, Due to the small size of the glucosamine molecules, the absorption rate is at an impressive 98 percent compared to the 13 percent rate of its chondroitin sulfate counterpart. As such, faster joint repair and recovery is possible.  And since there are no known side effects in the proper use of glucosamine sulfate, even for those with shellfish allergies (it comes from shellfish sources), it can only be more and more beneficial to athletes.

What is the Suggested Dosage?

Most scientific studies point to glucosamine sulfate’s optimal benefits at 500 milligrams taken three times a day. Of course, a balanced meal will still be a primary consideration in supplementation, as is the case with bodybuilding supplements.  Take note, however, that obese individuals will need higher doses. Thus, if an athlete is only starting to lose weight, then body weight must be considered. The ideal ratio is 20 milligrams per kilograms of body weight per day. Ask your nutritionist and doctor about it.

Indeed, glucosamine sulfate is a beneficial supplement for athletes and bodybuilders. With its ability to promote proper joint functions and faster joint repair, it ought to be part of an athlete’s arsenal of nutrients.

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