Allergic to sulphate, sulpher… 

Highly unlikely!

Last updated 2018-07

This topic comes up a few times a year, mostly by people told they are allergic to sulphA drugs, and either misunderstand or over generalizing with all sulph___ ingredients. Some people are concerned about being allergic to ‘sulph___.’

The following information might help:

First and foremost, No One is allergic to SULPHUR!’
It is important to understand that SulphUR=SulphER=Sulfur=Sulfer
(are all the same, and people are NOT allergic to this).

It is a natural and normal part of your body. It exists in most all foods we eat, and is a key component of many of the nutrients our bodies require to survive.

However, you could be allergic to sulphA, which is different. It’s important understand that the ph and f are often interchanged, as well as the U and E.  

sulfur is the usual spelling in American English;

however, Sulphur is generally the preferred spelling in many texts from outside North America, 

but sulfur is gaining ground in scientific writing throughout the English-speaking world.
However, the suffixes are different, and vital to understanding: ‘a’ | ‘ite’ | ‘ate’ | ur/er are each different.
Those are different from the ‘sulfates‘ (SO4-2) and ‘sulfites‘ (SO3-2)… and that can be a significant difference. There are far more people allergic to the sulfITES; very rarely is anyone allergic to the sulfATES, but there are a few documented cases.

I couldn’t find any documented case of a living person being allergic to ‘sulfer’ (regardless how it’s spelled).
There are numerous cases, and examples, of people allergic to ‘SULFA drugs.’ About 2 to 10% of the population here in America has been told they have a ‘sulfa drug’ allergy (depending on geography). 

    There are few reports of people allergic to sulphITES, but very few allergic to sulphATES.

    Sulphites are also known as sulfur dioxide. Sulphites are most commonly used as a preservative, in wines and foods, due to its antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Consumption of sulfites in wine and food is generally considered harmless, except in people who lack the bodily enzymes to break them down during digestion. However, Sulfite is also a chief component of acid rain, which is formed when the sulfur dioxide interacts with water molecules.

    If you are prone to allergic reactions, you really should see an allergist, and verify just exactly what all you are (and aren’t) really allergic to, and what exposure to them will really do to you. (i.e., just how dangerous are they to you). If you have allergy problems, WATCH THE LABELS of all foods and supplements, and become educated about what things you can and can’t take. IT IS ULTIMATELY YOUR RESPONSIBILITY if you know you have serious allergy issues.

    If you think there is a problem, cease taking the product, and consult your doctor… immediately if it’s life threatening, especially a breathing or heart rate reaction issue. Your health and safety are the most important (or should be, at least to you).

Our ‘glucosamine sulphate 2KCl’ product is a sulhATE. 

Over the last 23 years, we’ve had three people (out of tens of thousands) claim any type of negative reaction (1 digestive, 1 claimed it sparked her IBS, and 1 skin rash). It should also be noted that there is ‘sulphate’ in the MSM we use, which is derived from a hydrogen peroxides in the manufacturing process, and is generally the absolute most bio-available type of MSM available, because of the purity and process. And sulphATES are the most common forms of the best supplements on the market, as next to amino acid chelates, they are usually considered the most bio-available, and most useful to the body. Two of the three people (mentioned above) were able to take our product without issue if they didn’t take more than 1 capsule at a time, no closer than an hour or two apart; the other person (with the skin rash) wasn’t even able to look at the bottle without getting a reaction.
I’m not sure what the exact numbers are, but I’m guessing it’s likely genetic and the likelihood of a sulphATE reaction is likely less than 1 in millions type of rarity, with no reports of known life-threatening dangers.

Even the money wasting chondroitin products are a ‘chondroitin sulphATE’ which would necessarily eliminate that nutrient too, if you have a sulphate allergy issue. This would be true even though 70 to 80% of Chondroitin passes through the system. The little bit that does remain in the body, is usually the sulphATE molecule that ‘stays’ (to be used by the glucosamine).

There are quite a few cases of sulphITE allergies, especially with people that have asthma problems. However, sulphITE is absolutely different than sulphA.

I couldn’t find any documented allergies to sulpher or sulphur (same thing, just different spelling, depending on person writing it) in normal to moderate doses.

I was only able to find about a half dozen documented cases, here in America, of a sulphATE allergy (one of the people was also deathly allergic to sulpha drugs AND sulphites. It is unclear what other things were ‘in’ the product those people had an issue with, and whether those other factors played a part).

There are also a completely different type: SulphIDE is S(-2), and gives out H2S gas. Sulfides, also spelled sulphides, come in three classes: organic, inorganic, and phosphine. Organic sulfides are compounds in which sulfur is bonded to two organic groups. Inorganic sulfides are ionic compounds or salts which contain a negatively charged sulfide ion. Phosphine sulfides occur when the sulfur atom reacts with organic phosphines. Examples of sulfides include zinc, copper, silver and mercury.

If there are ANY major allergy concerns, I wouldn’t suggest using any ‘herbal’ supplements, because most are inconsistent from batch to batch, brand to brand, and few companies test for any ‘potency’ or chemical ratios (to hope for consistency). I’m sorry I don’t have better news for you.

In general, only minerals are ‘AAC’ (amino acid chelated)… so that lets out most all of the nutrients necessary to help the body rebuild the joint tissue.

Hopefully this information will help some people with concerns and questions.

  • Valuable Info for Athletes and people over 35 – www.jointsreport.com
  • Common Misconceptions about Nutrition: https://mdschoice.com/articles/facts.php
  • Quality Human Nutritional Supplements – www.mdschoice.com 

The following is a really good article by Dr. Julie Doherty, who agreed to allow me to share it. I thought some folks might appreciate:

Are You Allergic to Sulfur? Allergies to Sulfur, Sulfites, Sulfur & Sulfates!

January 9, 2017 By Julie Doherty

There is quite a lot of confusion when it comes to the various forms of Sulfur.

What is the difference between sulfa drugs, sulfites, sulfates and sulfur.

Often people are allergic to sulfa drugs and sulfites. Therefore may think that it is necessary for them to avoid sulfates and sulfur, as well.

In this article I will explain to you the differences between these four substances and the allergic reactions to be aware of.

Sulfa Drugs (Sulfonamides)

It is not unusual for people to have Allergies to sulfa containing drugs. Sulfa drugs actually contain a molecule called sulfonamide.

Sulfonamides contain Sulfur, Oxygen, Nitrogen, and Hydrogen.
The sulfonamide drugs were the first antimicrobial drugs (antibiotics) These molecules plug up the bacteria’s ability to reproduce. The allergic reactions occur due to the actions of the molecule, not the actual sulfur. It is therefore this molecule having an adverse reaction to the bacteria, that has a negative effect on the digestive and immune systems.

Even though sulfa containing drugs, Sulfonamides contain Sulfur. Sulfur doesn’t seem to be the problem.

Sulfites (also Sulfur Dioxide)
are naturally occurring sulfur containing molecules that occur in the fermentation process.

The red wines. Sulfites are added as preservatives by wine manufacturers. The quantity of sulfites is greater in red or sweet tasting wines than that of clearer dryer wines such as white wines.

Sulfites contain one Sulfur atom surrounded by either 2 or 3 Oxygen atoms.
Sulfites can cause sensitivity reactions in some people to include possibly headaches and breathing problems. Sulfites are not the same as Sulfa Drugs.

Sulfates
contain one sulfur atom surrounded by 4 Oxygen atoms.
Salts, acid derivatives, and peroxides of sulfate are widely used in industry. Sulfates also occur widely in everyday life. Sulfates are salts of sulfuric acid and many are prepared from that acid. Sulfates are very important molecules for everyone’s health and do not cause allergic or sensitivity reactions.

Sulfates are used as escort molecules for a number of supplements including glucosamine sulfate and vanadyl sulfate. Sulfates are different from Sulfites and Sulfa Drugs. It is very rare that people who are sensitive to sulfites and sulfa drugs will also be sensitive to sulfates.

Sulfur
is the chemical element that is found in Sulfa Drugs, Sulfites, and Sulfates. Sulfur is an essential element of life and is found in amino acids and other important molecules in the body. It is virtually impossible to have an allergy to sulfur itself. As you are not able to survive without sulfur.

So what happens is that people don’t actually have an allergy to sulfur, they are actually allergic to the sulfites or sulfonamides. Not to the sulfur or sulfates.

Allergy Symptoms to Sulfites or Sulfonamides
• hives
• swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, and throat
• drop in blood pressure
• anaphylaxis (a severe, life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention)

There are rare cases of serum type sickness reactions that occasionally occur say 10 days after a sulfa drug treatment begins.

These Symptoms can include:
• fever
• skin eruptions
• hives
• drug-induced arthritis
• swollen lymph nodes

You should contact a Health Professional immediately if you have these symptoms.
Medications to Avoid if you’re allergic or have a sensitivity to sulfites or sulfonamides:
• antibiotic combination drugs such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Septra, Bactrim) and erythromycin-sulfisoxazole
• sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) used for Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and rheumatoid arthritis
• Dapsone (used to treat leprosy, dermatitis, and certain types of pneumonia)
Not all drugs that contain sulfonamides cause reactions in all people.
Some medications that may not cause these reactions are:
• some diabetes medications including glyburide (Glynase, Diabeta) and glimepiride (Amaryl)
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as celecoxib (Celebrex)
• migraine medication sumatriptan (Imitrex, Sumavel, and Dosepro)
• some diuretics including hydrochlorthiazide (Microzide) and furosemide (Lasix)

An Actual Sulfite Allergy:
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to sulfites include:
• headache
• rash
• hives
• swelling of the mouth and lips
• wheezing or trouble breathing
• asthma attack (in people with asthma)
• anaphylaxis

If you experience more serious symptoms of a sulfite allergy, contact your Health Care Professional. Anaphylaxis requires immediate emergency medical attention.
Never hesitate – Call an Ambulance

How to Avoid Sulfites
Whether or not you find that you have a life/death allergic reaction or just some of the symptoms associated with a sulfite allergy. It is beneficial for you to avoid them as much as possible.

Sulfites are common in processed foods, condiments, and alcoholic beverages, such as red and white wine. Sulfites occur naturally in wine during fermentation, and many winemakers add them to help the process along. For the past two decades, the Food and Drug Administration has required winemakers to display the warning “contains sulfites” if levels exceed a certain threshold. Many companies voluntarily add the label to their products as well.

If you find that you suffer from any of the mentioned sensitivities. It is then important that you should avoid food products with the following chemicals on the label:
• sulfur dioxide
• potassium bisulfate
• potassium metabisulfite
• sodium bisulfite
• sodium metabisulfite
• sodium sulfite

Important to Note: In this article I am not talking about the Naturally occurring sulfites found in fresh fruits and vegetables. But the addition of chemically derived sulfites added to processed foods, drinks and medications.

I hope that you have found this information helpful. 

    If Changing Your Habits is somewhat of a Challenge here is a Link to Julie's  Article: 7 Key Steps to Build Positive Habits – 28 Days to Building Your New Habit

Quality & Service are our chosen specialties

Since 1995, MD's Choice has maintained the very best guarantee in the nutritional supplement market, bar none;  with over a 90% success rate for those that actually use the MD’s Choice products as directed.

An unheard of commitment in the health industry. Our guarantee covers the initial period of use, usually 6 to 24 weeks, depending on the problem, not just 1 bottle, or 30 days, the majority of our competitors have.

For serious problems, please contact us directly for the most effective dosing for the specific body and situation. We want our product to work for you, and believe YOU WILL POSITIVELY SEE RESULTS or GET A FULL REFUND for the containers you purchased (limit 3 large containers). No formal testing (or doctors note) is required for reimbursement (as some of our competitors have).

Our company stands behind our product, because the science is solid, and we have a results based guarantee you can honestly trust! MD’s Choice has had zero complaints with the BBB for over 20 years, and either A+ or 'unrated' (because we don't pay for ratings); something few businesses of any type can brag about, especially businesses in the nutrition or health industries.
___________________________________
For individual consultation or questions about our products, call
 1-865-384-8556

Monday - Friday, 10am to 6pm, Eastern Time
or via email at:
questions-at-mdschoice.com
(where the -at- becomes the @ symbol, like a normal email) 

All Research and Information ©1995 - 2022 MD's Choice, Inc. and respective holders.

The legal mumbo jumbo: All information, graphics, and videos found on this site, and any sites directly linked from this site, are copyrighted and cannot be used commercially by any business, company, agency, or organization, without the express written permission of the respective holder. All rights reserved.

Science, especially nutrition, is a vital part of life... living... and longevity. Nothing on this website, or any other, should ever be given more power or authority than your actual doctor: that has seen the body, ran the tests, poked, prodded, x-rayed or ultra-sounded when necessary, thoroughly examined, and genuinely evaluated the history of the patient. Part of the reason the FDA has regulations and requirements, such as “These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.” is to help protect the consumer from false claims, 'magic cures,' 'miracle claims,' and dangerously avoidable contraindications (side-effects). We understand and agree!

Drugs should have quality control regulations, safety requirements, and that includes all plant derived drugs (herbs) which have their place, but seldom ever in a 'daily supplement, intended for prolonged use.'  Supplements should be tested for all the common contaminants, including heavy metals, which MD's Choice has been doing since the very beginning.

Nutrition is key, good nutrition important, but even the best nutrition doesn't replace the hands on experience of doctors able to evaluate the individual on a case-by-case basis. There are far too many ailments, types of diseases, genetic issues, contributing factors, and medical issues producing side-effects and symptoms for any responsible person - especially a doctor or healthcare related professional - to do more than generalize or suggest some elevated or minimized concern, without in-person testing and a real world exam.

Our products are great, and have had the best Results Based Guarantee in the nutritional industry for over 23 years, which should tell you a whole lot about us and how we do business. WE CARE... If you have a serious concern, or life threatening situation, PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR, or a specialist that can see the body, do the tests, and evaluate the individual situation.   Our Privacy Policy

THANK YOU & Let us know if you have ANY QUESTIONS