Healthspan's Optiflex® Glucosamine HCl uses a plant-based source and provides 1,100 mg of base glucosamine per 1,325 mg tablet. Here's how glucosamine HCl compares with sulphate 2KCl, and what the sourcing means for sustainability.
🕒 4 min read
How much glucosamine is in Healthspan Optiflex®?
Healthspan's strongest standalone Optiflex® Glucosamine HCl tablet contains 1,325 mg of glucosamine hydrochloride, providing 1,100 mg of base glucosamine.
Base glucosamine is the amount of glucosamine itself once the salt it is bound to has been taken into account. This is useful when comparing different forms of glucosamine, as the number displayed on the front of a product does not necessarily represent the amount of base glucosamine it provides.
What does the MHRA threshold mean?
In September 2018, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) announced that glucosamine products supplying 1,178 mg or more of base glucosamine per day would be regarded as medicines rather than food supplements.1
Healthspan's Optiflex® Glucosamine HCl 1325mg provides 1,100 mg of base glucosamine per daily tablet, below this threshold.
The MHRA classification should not be interpreted to mean that a higher-dose product is automatically more effective. The agency states that classification takes into account factors including pharmacological effect and the purpose for which consumers use the product.1
Glucosamine HCl vs sulphate 2KCl: what's the difference?
In supplements, glucosamine is bound to a salt. Two common forms are glucosamine hydrochloride (HCl) and glucosamine sulphate 2KCl. Because these salts have different molecular weights, the proportion of base glucosamine in each form is different.
| Healthspan product | Glucosamine form | Amount per tablet | Base glucosamine | Approx. base glucosamine by weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optiflex® Glucosamine HCl 1325mg | Hydrochloride (HCl) | 1,325 mg | 1,100 mg | 83% |
| Glucosamine Sulphate 2KCl 1000mg | Sulphate 2KCl | 1,000 mg | 591 mg | 59% |
On this basis, glucosamine HCl provides around 40% more base glucosamine per gram than glucosamine sulphate 2KCl. This explains why comparing only the headline milligram figure on different glucosamine products can be misleading.
For a broader explanation of the different forms, dosage and research, see our glucosamine guide.
Optiflex® Glucosamine HCl 1325mg with Vitamin C
Plant-based glucosamine HCl with added vitamin C
- 1,325 mg glucosamine HCl per tablet
- Provides 1,100 mg base glucosamine
- Sustainable plant-based source
- Added vitamin C
- Suitable for vegans
How is Healthspan's glucosamine sourced?
Healthspan's Optiflex® Glucosamine HCl uses GlucosaGreen®, a plant-based glucosamine ingredient made using glucose derived from non-GMO corn and a fermentation process.
Traditional glucosamine has commonly been manufactured using material derived from crustacean shells. GlucosaGreen® avoids the use of shellfish, providing a plant-based alternative suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
People with allergies should always check the allergen information and ingredients on the individual product before taking a supplement.
What makes GlucosaGreen® more sustainable?
Producing glucosamine from corn rather than shellfish changes the resources and waste associated with the manufacturing process.
According to GlucosaGreen® manufacturer TSI, its fermentation process uses more than 99% less clean water and produces around 98% less solid waste than conventional shellfish-derived glucosamine production.2
TSI also states that the process requires fewer hazardous chemicals, reducing some of the environmental impacts associated with producing traditional shellfish-derived glucosamine.2
Why does the source matter?
Using plant-derived glucose removes the need for shellfish as a raw material while also allowing glucosamine to be produced through a controlled fermentation process. This provides a shellfish-free source while reducing water use and solid waste according to the ingredient manufacturer.2
How does Healthspan approach product quality?
Healthspan works with ingredient suppliers to assess provenance, formulation and quality before ingredients are used in finished products. Quality assurance, product testing and ongoing formulation reviews form part of the process used to develop and maintain Healthspan supplements.
Find out more about how Healthspan creates and checks its supplements.
You can also explore our full range of glucosamine supplements, including glucosamine HCl, glucosamine sulphate and combination formulas.
