“This new analytical technique is hugely significant from a commercial standpoint because shellfish glucosamine is generally more readily available, cheaper to produce, and can easily be substituted for the value added vegetable material,” said ENI.
“Purified glucosamine, whether from a shellfish or vegetable base, appears identical when using typical High-Performance Liquid Chromatography analysis,” explained Lora Xiong, MS, ENI director of research and development and quality control.
Xiong developed the newly patented process by using the Isotopic Signature Carbon Tracing Method (ISCTM).
“The uses of both products are essentially the same, however, for many people there is a vital difference between the two materials. [Vegetarian] glucosamine offers distinctive benefits ideal for those who are allergic to shellfish, vegetarians, and individuals who do not consume shellfish for religious reasons.
“With this analytical method [ISCTM] we are now able to objectively identify the source of the material as vegetable or shellfish."
Cal Bewicke, president of Ethical Naturals, said the company was pleased to be able to add an additional level of objective identification to its non-GMO GreenGrown Glucosamine HCL and Sulfate products.