Chondroitin sulfate and shark cartilage are composed of relative large molecules, making absorption difficult. The absorption rate for chondroitin sulfate is between zero and about 8%. Glucosamine sulfate, on the other hand, is composed of relatively small molecules, delivering a comparatively high absorption rate of about 98%, orally administered.
By the way, after absorption, glucosamine sulfate is preferentially soaked up by cartilage and other joint structures and stimulates the integration of sulfur into cartilage. At this point, glucosamine triggers the manufacture of chondroitin sulfate and other compounds known as mucopolysaccharides.
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