Studies have shown that MSM provides relief of joint pain caused by osteoarthritis.
The largest and most thorough clinical trial of MSM to date found that the nutrient improved pain and physical function in people with knee osteoarthritis when compared to placebo. The article, "A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) treatment for knee osteoarthritis pain," was published in print in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage in March, 2006.
"Knee osteoarthritis affects millions of Americans' daily lives, and safe, effective options for relieving pain and restoring mobility are limited," according to Jeremy Appleton, ND, CNS, co-author of the MSM–The Definitive Guide. "The study results provide long-sought validation that MSM is a safe and effective [treatment] option for people who want to improve their joint health." says Appleton. "There is also an exciting secondary outcome concerning homocysteine levels," says Appleton. "In this study, MSM significantly lowered homocysteine levels. High homocysteine levels are considered by many to be a health risk. By lowering homocysteine, MSM could potentially reduce those risks, which is highly desirable in a joint supplement."
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial studied the efficacy and safety of MSM in patients over age 40 diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. Participants were randomized to take three grams twice daily of OptiMSM or placebo for 12 weeks.
Primary endpoints were the composite subscales in the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) on pain, stiffness, physical function, and total symptoms. Secondary endpoints included several laboratory tests for safety, serum homocysteine, and urine malondialdehyde (a marker of oxidative stress).
Compared to placebo, MSM treatment produced statistically significant decreases in WOMAC pain and physical function impairment. MSM also significantly improved performance of daily activities when compared to placebo. Secondary outcomes included significant reductions in serum homocysteine and urine malondialdehyde in those taking MSM compared to placebo. Trends towards improvement in the MSM group compared to the placebo group were observed in nearly all other outcomes studied. There were no major adverse reactions reported in the study.
"The evidence for MSM continues to become more impressive. This recent study, along with others currently in process, will likely help verify the use of MSM as a cornerstone for those seeking optimal joint health,." says Jason Theodosakis, MD, Asst. Professor, University of Arizona College of Medicine, and author of the bestselling, The Arthritis Cure.