Methylsulfonylmethane could help relieve osteoarthritis

01/09/05 It is estimated that more than 20 million Americans have osteoarthritis. A new study examining the effect of a naturally occurring compound supplement -- Methylsulfonylmethane – and arthritis pain may offer new help to a growing problem.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by erosion of the body’s articular cartilage, which becomes soft, frayed, and thinned. It is estimated that more than 20 million Americans have OA, the most common form of arthritis. When the condition attacks the knee, the consequences can be significant. Pain can become so intense that for many, a total knee replacement is required. Some 381,000 knee replacements were performed in 2002, and more are expected as the baby boom generation ages. A new study examining the effect of a naturally occuring compound supplement -- methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) – and arthritis pain may offer new help to a growing problem.

The authors of the study, entitled “Efficacy of Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in Knee Osteoarthritis Pain: A Pilot Clinical Trial,” are Linda Kim, ND, Leslie Axelrod ND, Nick Buratovich NMD, and Robert Waters, Ph.D., all from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, Tempe, AZ; and Paul Howard, MD, of the Arthritis Health Center, Scottsdale, AZ.

MSM is a popular dietary supplement containing sulfur. Sulfur is beneficial for the body’s connective tissue. Although the supplement is popular, few studies have been conducted involving patients.

Accordingly, this research was designed to evaluate the effect of MSM on men and women with symptomatic osteoarthritis pain of the knee. A secondary purpose was to determine the effect of MSM on various laboratory measures.

This study showed that MSM 3g twice a day for 12 weeks improved pain and physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis pain without major adverse events. The clinical effect compared to placebo was, however, modest. The findings suggest MSM may be considered for short-term use in osteoarthritis pain when other treatments are ineffective.