There are always media reports on the latest supplements and nutrients. It is hard to tell what is a fad and what is actually helpful. Doing further research on any supplement should tell you what to use it for and proper dosing information.
Intended Use
Both MSM and Glucosamine have been recommended for the use of helping with joint degeneration and the associated pain. They are currently recommended for use with Osteoarthritis in particular.
Glucosamine
There are two types of glucosamine that can be purchased, one is glucosamine sulfate and the other is glucosamine HCL. There is a third option that is less expensive and less effective, often available over the counter at grocery stores called Glucosamine N-aceytal or NAG. Glucosamine is made from shellfish and is meant to be similar to the GAGs (Glucosaminoglycans) found in the connective tissues throughout our body. Reviews of current literature have a recommended dose of 500mg three times per day.
A review article was published in "Clinical Interventions in Aging" in 2007 by Beth A Fox and Mary M Stephens. This review article looked at all of the recent published research with osteoarthritis and Glucosamine (both sulfate and HCL). The review found that if any positive reports were given, they were only found to be subjectively (report of pain levels), while functionally people still had just as much difficulty performing tasks as the placebo group. This same review also found that glucosamine has positive outcomes for reducing general inflammation.
This review also reported any negative side effects from the studies to be mostly related to GI upset including, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and constipation. Glucosamine is made with shellfish, so anyone who had a known allergy to shellfish was not included in any of the studies. Long term side effects are currently unknown.
MSM
Also known as methylsulfonylmethane, it is a naturally occurring substance found in the body. The supplements we purchase are synthesized. Another form of MSM is DMSO. Both have been studied extensively. In November of 2008 a review article was published in "Osteoarthritis Cartilage" by S. Brein et al. found most of the studies didn't uphold to proper standards for conducting research. The studies that did do their research correctly show some promise in the use of MSM for decreasing joint pain and improving function as a positive side effect. A search of the current medical literature provides no reports or definitive evidence for negative side effects with the use of MSM. Even the Mayo clinic has responded has having no formal opinion on negative side effects for MSM. Further studies need to be done to confirm safety, dosing and any potential negative side effects.
References
- "Clinical Interventions in Aging;" Glucosamine hydrochloride for the treatment of osteoarthritis symptoms; December 2007; Beth Anne Fox and Mary M Stephens
- "Osteoarthritis Cartilage;" Systematic review of the nutritional supplements dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in the treatment of osteoarthritis; November 16th 2008; Brien, S. et al.
- Mayo Clinic--Q & A
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