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MSM

Health News Archive 164 - Arthritis
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MSM Reduces Arthritis Pain and Homocysteine Levels

The results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial indicate methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) can improve osteoarthritis pain in the knee.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and the second most common cause of long-term disability among middle-aged and older adults in the United States. MSM is a popular dietary supplement used alone and together with other joint supporting nutrients.

Researchers studied 50 men and women, 40-76 years of age, who had osteoarthritis knee pain while enrolled in an outpatient medical center. The subjects were given 3 grams MSM twice per day or a placebo for 12 weeks. Researchers then assessed such outcome measures as disease status, response to therapy, and overall health-related quality of life.

Compared to the placebo, MSM produced significant decreases in pain and physical function impairment. MSM also produced improvement in performing activities of daily living when compared to placebo. No notable changes were found in stiffness and aggregated total symptom scores.

Outcomes included the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index visual analogue scale (WOMAC), patient and physician global assessments (disease status, response to therapy), and SF-36 (overall health-related quality of life).  Compared to placebo, MSM produced significant decreases in WOMAC pain and physical function impairment. No notable changes were found in WOMAC stiffness and aggregated total symptoms scores. MSM also produced improvement in performing activities of daily living when compared to placebo on the SF-36 evaluation.

A secondary outcome was a significant reduction in homocysteine levels. “Because homocysteine levels raise the risk of heart attack, stroke and many other conditions, several mainstream osteoarthritis drugs have been pulled off the market,” said Jeremy Appleton, ND, CNS, co-author of a guide to MSM and a member of Cardinal Nutrition’s scientific advisory board. “By lowering homocysteine, MSM could possibly reduce those risks, which is highly desirable in a joint supplement.”

According to the study authors, “MSM (3 grams twice per day) improved symptoms of pain and physical function during the short intervention without major adverse events. The benefits and safety of MSM in managing osteoarthritis and long-term use cannot be confirmed from this pilot trial, but its potential clinical application is examined.”

Reference:

Kim LS, Axelrod LJ, Howard P, Buratovich N, Waters RF. Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in osteoarthritis pain of the knee: a pilot clinical trial. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2005 Nov 22; [Epub ahead of print]