Liquid vs. Pill Glucosamine

[TeriM]

So I recently read a study stating that liquid glucosamine is much better absorbed than the pill format. I bought some last week and Lucy has now been on it for about a week and I think there is quite a difference. She seems to be moving much less stiff when on our walks (improved range of motion). She was still a bit stiff after a long walk on the weekend but I am eager to see if there are even more noticable improvements after a few more weeks .

Anyone else have any experience with this?

[TeriM]

Here is one of the links re: liquid glucosamine.

http://www.arthritis-cats-dogs.com/comparison.php

[angeldogs]

Liquids are absorbed quicker. that there is more of an improvement.i could use some of that myself.

[SuperWanda]

I have been using liquid as well so I can't compare to the pill.

I have also heard that the liquid is more bioavailable to the dog especially since they have a short digestive system; that pills may go through their system with less being absorbed. I pay alot more for the liquid though but if they use more I figure I'm getting what I pay for?

[TeriM]

Originally Posted by SuperWanda

I pay alot more for the liquid though but if they use more I figure I'm getting what I pay for?

I bought mine at Costco and it was fairly reasonable but I'm happy to pay for it if it works better . I should add that it also contains the following so maybe that is what is working better as well.

Chondroitin provides structure and holds water and nutrients for the joint structure.†
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) builds connective tissue and holds cartilage, ligaments, and muscles in place.†
Collagen is the “2 by 4” of our skin, cartilage, bone and other connective tissue. It acts as scaffolding for our bodies and allows broken bones to regenerate and wounds to heal.†
Vitamins C & D aid nutrient absorption and help support joint function.†

[LittleMissLevi]

Actually the main difference between the liquid and the tablet/capsule form is the salt form of the drug. The HCl salt is found in liquid and sulphate in the tablet form. There have been no good studies showing differences between the two dosage forms or salts in dogs or human, but I would agree that the liquid form may be slightly better absorbed in dogs because of the shortened GI tract. In humans this generally doesn't make a difference unless they have some kind of disease state that would effect adsorption (e.g. Crohn's or IBD). The liquid is generally given to animals due to convience above anything else.

[SuperWanda]

Originally Posted by TeriM

I bought mine at Costco and it was fairly reasonable but I'm happy to pay for it if it works better . I should add that it also contains the following so maybe that is what is working better as well.

Chondroitin provides structure and holds water and nutrients for the joint structure.†
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) builds connective tissue and holds cartilage, ligaments, and muscles in place.†
Collagen is the “2 by 4” of our skin, cartilage, bone and other connective tissue. It acts as scaffolding for our bodies and allows broken bones to regenerate and wounds to heal.†
Vitamins C & D aid nutrient absorption and help support joint function.†

Teri M: do you mind me asking how much it is and what the amounts of the ingredients are? I should probably look around to compare because I currently get it at the vet - it is $42 for 500ml. I only use 1/2 tsp a day so it does last for some time.

These are the ingredients per tsp:
Glucosamine HCL 1,000mg
Chondroitin sulphate 250mg
MSM 200mg
Ascorbic acid 70mg
Manganese sulphate 10mg
in a base containing glucose, sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate.

[Prin]

Ooo good to know. I'm thinking of putting Jemma on it.. She was such an intensely active younger dog, I don't want arthritis to kick in too early.

[TeriM]

Teri M: do you mind me asking how much it is and what the amounts of the ingredients are? I should probably look around to compare because I currently get it at the vet - it is $42 for 500ml. I only use 1/2 tsp a day so it does last for some time.

I bought this product at Costco. One litre is around $24.

http://www.symteclab.com/prod_glucosamine.shtml

One tablespoon has:
1000 mg glucosamine hcl
600 mg chondrotin sulfate
250 mg MSM
25 mg collagen
30 mg Vit C (ascorbic acid)
200 IU Vit D3

[SuperWanda]

Thanks for the info.

I give 500mg of glucosamine each day so when I did the math it worked out to about 37cents per serving (7.5ml) for the Costco brand and 21cents per serving (2.5ml) for my vet brand (http://www.ubavet.com/small_lgh.html)

I like the costco one better though because it is sugar free and mine has added glucose!