Does Walmart Mislabel Spring Valley Glucosamine Joint Supplements?

Walmart Inc. is facing allegations it mislabels its Spring Valley glucosamine joint supplements as containing glucosamine sulfate instead of the potentially less-effective glucosamine hydrochloride.

Consumers who purchased the Spring Valley glucosamine sulfate supplements may have overpaid for the product.

Spring Valley Glucosamine Joint Supplements

Glucosamine is a popular dietary supplement used to treat symptoms associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and joint pain.

Spring Valley is an exclusive Walmart brand of vitamins and supplements.

One of the Spring Valley joint supplements is labeled as containing 1,000 mg of glucosamine sulfate, which is thought to be a more effective form of glucosamine.

However, a recent Walmart glucosamine lawsuit alleges there is no glucosamine sulfate in the Spring Valley joint supplements.

Glucosamine Sulfate vs. Glucosamine Hydrochloride

Glucosamine is found in cartilage, the tissue that cushions joints. Glucosamine supplements can be made from the hard covering of shellfish or they can be made in a lab, according to the Mayo Clinic.

There are several forms of glucosamine available in supplements, including glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and N-acetyl glucosamine. These different forms of glucosamine cannot be used interchangeably, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Studies on the effectiveness of glucosamine supplements on joint pain relief have been mixed.

Research has shown that, when taken orally, the use of glucosamine sulfate supplements may provide pain relief for people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It might also slow the degeneration of knee joints that is associated with osteoarthritis.

The effectiveness of glucosamine hydrochloride for joint pain is less clear.

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database shows there is not enough evidence to conclude that glucosamine hydrochloride is effective for the treatment of knee pain, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis, according to MedLine Plus.

Because glucosamine sulfate supplements are believed to be more effective at treating certain types of joint pain than other glucosamine supplements, they are often sold at a higher price.

Walmart Joint Supplements False Advertising Allegations

Laboratory testing of the Spring Valley glucosamine product allegedly confirmed the joint health supplement contains glucosamine hydrochloride. The presence of glucosamine sulfate was not detected, according to the Walmart class action lawsuit.

Walmart allegedly mislabeled the glucosamine supplement because it knew ] glucosamine sulfate is a more desirable ingredient than glucosamine hydrochloride and it could sell the joint supplements at a higher price.

The Spring Valley joint supplements class action lawsuit asserts claims for breach of contract, unjust enrichment, false advertising, and other violations.

If you purchased Spring Valley glucosamine sulfate supplements, you may be able to take legal action against Walmart and help hold the company accountable for allegedly misleading consumers.