Methyl sulfonyl methane, or MSM, is a chemical found naturally in foods such as seafood, milk products, meats and vegetables. Glucosamine, a molecule your body synthesizes, helps build the cartilage that cushions your joints. A combination of MSM and glucosamine, available as a dietary supplement, may help relieve pain associated with arthritis. However, seek the advice of your health care provider before adding any supplement to your daily routine.
Background
MSM is chemically related to dimethyl sulfoxide, or DMSO. DMSO is a popular yet unproven home remedy for treating arthritis pain, according to New York University Langone Medical Center. Because DMSO partially converts to MSM in your body, MSM may be responsible for the beneficial effects some people claim when they self-treat with DMSO. Glucosamine, isolated from the shells of crab, lobster or shrimp, may decrease the pain of osteoarthritis by slowing the loss of cartilage or repairing and rebuilding damaged cartilage.
Evidence
New York University Langone Medical Center reports that, in study subjects suffering from osteoarthritis, MSM and glucosamine administered separately for 12 weeks significantly reduced arthritis pain compared to placebo. When the study subjects supplemented with both MSM and glucosamine, they reported an even greater reduction in pain than with either supplement alone. In the June 2011 issue of the "Journal of the International Society of Sports Medicine," researchers found that subjects with osteoarthritis of the knee reported a small degree of decreased knee pain and stiffness when they supplemented with MSM, glucosamine and chondroitin over a period of 14 weeks.
Dosage
To reduce arthritis pain, New York University Langone Medical Center recommends supplementing with MSM in the range of 1.5 to 10 g per day, separated into three doses. For glucosamine supplementation, the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests 1.5 g per day, either as one single dose or three doses of 500 mg. In the osteoarthritis pain study described by New York University Langone Medical Center, subjects took 1.5 g each of MSM and glucosamine, split into three equal doses per day. In the "Journal of the International Society of Sports Medicine" knee osteoarthritis pain study, investigators dosed with 900 mg MSM, 1.5 g glucosamine and 1.2 g chondroitin.
Considerations
While MSM may be a safe supplement at recommended doses for helping reduce arthritis pain, glucosamine may cause adverse health effects. Because glucosamine supplements come from shellfish sources, they may cause an allergic reaction if you have a shellfish allergy. Glucosamine may also interfere with insulin, a concern if you are diabetic. Glucosamine supplements may contain high levels of potassium or sodium and may be contraindicated if you are on a potassium- or sodium-restricted diet.
References
- New York University Langone Medical Center; Methyl Sulfonyl Methane; February 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Glucosamine; 2011
- "Journal of the International Society of Sports Medicine"; Effects of Diet Type and Supplementation of Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM on Body Composition, Functional Status, and Markers of Health in Women with Knee Osteoarthritis Initiating a Resistance-Based Exercise and Weight Loss Program; T. Magrans-Courtney, et al.; June 2011
