The inflammation and pain from osteoarthritis can make it difficult to move your joints. As you age, the wear-and-tear on your joints, especially at your knees, can make it hard to get around. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but there are a number of over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements available to help alleviate symptoms. Schiff Glucosamine Plus MSM Joint Care Supplement is purported to help maintain healthy functioning of the cartilage in your joints. As its name implies, the main ingredients in this supplement are glucosamine hydrochloride and MSM, or methylsulfonylmethane. Consult your physician before taking it, as only a few clinical studies on its effectiveness have been performed.
All Ingredients
The active ingredients in Schiff Glucosamine Plus MSM Joint Care Supplement are glucosamine hydrochloride and methylsulfonylmethane. Inactive ingredients in Schiff Glucosamine Plus MSM include a number of agents used for product color and stabilization. The inactive ingredients in this supplement include hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium trisilicate, cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate. The gelcap coating consists of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, modified corn starch, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol, magnesium trisilicate, glycerin, dextrin, dextrose, soy lecithin, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sodium citrate, polydextrose, triacetin, carmine color and gelatin.
Glucosamine Hydrochloride
One serving, or the manufacturer's recommended dose, of Schiff Glucosamine Plus MSM consists of three gel caps containing a total of 1,500 mg of glucosamine hydrochloride, the form of glucosamine that your body may absorb better. Glucosamine is a compound that your body produces naturally; it plays an important role in the formation of cartilage. However, when taken from an external source, such as a dietary supplement, the University of Maryland Medical Center states that the results from several clinical studies are conflicting and haven't conclusively proven glucosamine as effective in growing or repairing cartilage.
Methylsulfonylmethane
There are also 1,500 mg of MSM in one serving, or dose, of Schiff Glucosamine Plus MSM dietary supplement. MSM is a sulfur-containing compound that isn't made by your body or essential for your normal diet, but appears to be safe for consumption. More clinical studies are needed, but MSM may be beneficial for arthritis of the knee. Although it is considered safe, MayoClinic.com states that no research has been performed detailing the effects of its long-term use. Talk to your doctor before using any dietary supplement containing MSM.
Considerations
Glucosamine is often derived from the outer shell of crustaceans, including shrimp, crab and lobster, and MSM contains sulfur. Don't take this supplement if you are allergic to seafood or sulfur. Glucosamine also contains a high concentration of potassium and sodium, so only take it under your doctor's supervision if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes.
References
- Walgreens: Schiff Glucosamine HCl Plus MSM 1500 mg Coated Tablets Ingredients
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Osteoarthritis
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Glucosamine; Steven D. Ehrlich; June 1, 2009
- MayoClinic.com; MSM for Arthritis Pain: Is it Safe?; Brent A. Bauer; July 6, 2011
Member Comments