Glucosamine Sulfate is used in the treatment of osteoarthritis and plays a role in cartilage protection. There are several reasons why the potassium salt of Glucosamine Sulfate is preferred.

1. Significantly lower levels of salivary K+ have been correlated with increased incidence of dental decay and gingivitis observed in patients with juvenile chronic arthritis1 and rheumatoid arthritis²
2. n patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the total body K+ (TBK) values were significantly reduced, as was the ratio of observed predicted TBK. This ratio is used as an index of skeletal muscle mass3. Skeletal muscle mass may determine the rate of bone formation⁴
3. Observations 1 and 2 validate an earlier proposal which advocates the use of K+ salts to treat rheumatoid arthritis⁵
4. As a nutrient, K+ is necessary for the muscles to hold back and control the flow of urine, modulate peristalsis, stabilize the nervous system and stimulate endocrine functions. Potassium deficiency leading to unbalanced sodium levels could be fatal to diabetics and has been correlated with junk food diets which induce symptoms such as muscle weakness and extreme fatigue⁶
5. Sodium is contraindicated in patients with hypertension

Glucosamine Sulfate when used in combination with potassium salts is therefore more effective in the treatment of arthritic conditions, as it would simultaneously replenish depleted K+ levels.

References:

1.  British J. of Rheumatology (1989). 28(5), 383-5
2. Clinical Rheumatology (1986). 5(1), 49-55
3. An. of Rheumatic Diseases (1985). 44(9), 575-9
4. Dissert. Abstracts Intl. (1986). 47-05 (B), 1924
5. Clin. Exp. Rheumatology (1983). 1(2), 184-6
6. General information from Electronic Resources