MSM and Joint Pain
Methylsulfonylmethane for Arthritis, Immunity, Allergies, Metabolism
May 27, 2008
MSM is a fairly recent addition to health food and supplement store shelves, and it is a helpful supplement for a number of conditions. It is said to assist with arthritis, soreness, joint pain, body-building, muscle growth, energy levels, and the immune system.
What is MSM?
MSM is a naturally occurring (or in chemistry, an "organic") form of sulfur. The name MSM is an acronym of "methylsulfonylmethane." It is found in all living organisms (1) and provides what is thought to be a readily available source of sulfur.
History: MSM and Horses
MSM has traditionally been used by veterinarians, especially horse vets, who have recommended it for years to improve joint health. According to veterinarians, sulfur – which MSM provides in abundance – is necessary to build collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin, the building blocks of soft connective tissue such as the cartilege in joints.
MSM is said to support metabolism, the nervous system, and immunity, and to have anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties. MSM also appears in many veterinary products for healthy equine hair, hooves, and skin.
Only in the last decade or so has MSM crossed over from a veterinary treatment to a human nutritional supplement.
Benefits of MSM for Humans
MSM is recommended for the same issues and the same reasons in humans as it is for horses.
It is touted to aid with joint health, especially in healing the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis and osteoarthritis. It is also recommended for those healing from bursitis, rheumatism, and chronic pain. Some research suggests anti-inflammatory effects.
A secondary use of MSM is to help defuse allergies. MSM is believed to support and restore a healthy immune system, bringing the allergy threshold to a more manageable level and helping to lower symptoms of allergies.
MSM has been described as a "protein-building compound," (1) so it may be helpful in strength training, intense exercise, and for those working to build healthy muscle mass. It may also be useful to the skin, nervous system, healthy hair growth, and more.
Research and Debate Over MSM
Detractors claim that MSM is not effective, and point to the fact that the actual biochemical effects of MSM are poorly understood.
Regardless of how well or poorly we may understood the process by which MSM is used, research does indicate a significant effect on both arthritic pain (2) and allergy conditions (3), among other benefits.
Reference
(1) Essential Science Publishing, Essential Oils Desk Reference, Second Edition, 2001.
(2) Kim LS et al, "Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in osteoarthritis pain of the knee: a pilot clinical trial", Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2006;14(3):286–94.
(3) Barrager E et al, "A multi-centered, open label trial on the safety and efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis", Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2002;8:167–74.
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