By Dr. Robert Ashley Published: June 27, 2017 5:00 AM CDT Updated: June 27, 2017 5:00 AM CDT
Dear Doctor: A friend suggested I try MSM crystals for arthritis. What are they, and do they work? If they do, where can I find them?
Dear Reader: Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organic sulfur-containing compound naturally found in plants such as Brussels sprouts, garlic, asparagus, kale, beans and wheat germ. It also can be found in horsetail, an herbal remedy. MSM, which has been touted as a treatment for arthritis, is related to a similar compound, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
MSM may have anti-inflammatory properties, as well, but different from those associated with aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs). Unlike DMSO, which is a liquid applied at room temperature, MSM is a white crystalline compound hence the reference to "crystals."
As for whether it works, let's look at the evidence. A 2011 study performed in Israel assessed its impact on 50 people with arthritis of the knee. Twenty-five patients took a placebo, while 25 took 1.125 grams of MSM three times per day for 12 weeks. At 12 weeks, symptoms had worsened by 14 percent in the placebo group, but had improved by 20 percent in the MSM group. Pain had increased by 9 percent in the placebo group, but had decreased by 21 percent in the MSM group. Note that in this 12-week study, users noted no side effects.
A 2006 study also assessed MSM's impact on people with arthritis of the knee, with 25 people receiving a placebo and the other 25 receiving a 3-gram dose of MSM twice a day. At 12 weeks, pain had decreased by 25 percent in the MSM group, and by 13 percent in the placebo group. The physical function of the knee also improved with the use of MSM, but stiffness improved only slightly as compared to the placebo. This higher dose of MSM was associated with the mild side effects of bloating and constipation. One interesting note: The study authors found no change in inflammatory markers with MSM.
Lastly, a 2004 study from India compared the use of MSM, the use of glucosamine, the use of a combination and the use of a placebo for arthritis of the knee. After 12 weeks, patients who took 500 milligrams of MSM three times a day reported a significant reduction in pain and swelling of the knee. This also was seen in the group who took glucosamine. Those who took the combination of both MSM and glucosamine reported an additive benefit in regard to pain and swelling.
Granted, these are small studies, but they do show a slight benefit from MSM, but even milder than from Tylenol or NSAIDs. In these studies, the medication was used every day for 12 weeks, so I would assume that you would have to take MSM daily for a long period to see the benefit.
One important caveat: We don't know if there are any long-term side effects with MSM. If you do try it, start with 500 to 1,000 milligrams three times per day. That dose can be found in any drug or vitamin store.
Dr. Robert Ashley is an internist and assistant professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles. Send your questions to askthedoctors@mednet.ucla.edu, or write: Ask the Doctors, c/o Media Relations, UCLA Health, 924 Westwood Blvd., Suite 350, Los Angeles, CA, 90095. Owing to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.
Here is the original post:
Could organic compound help with arthritis pain? - NewsOK.com
- The Compression Fracture of Thoracic Spine Due to Methotrexate-Associated Lymphoproliferative Disorder in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Report - Cureus - February 15th, 2025
- Rheumatoid arthritis tied to cognitive decline in dementia - Medical Xpress - February 15th, 2025
- Tools and Devices to Improve Life and Mobility With Arthritis - U.S. News & World Report - February 15th, 2025
- Actor Adam Thomas Reveals How 'Eating Nothing But Meat and Eggs' is Easing his Arthritis Pain But These Are the Risks - Men's Health UK - February 15th, 2025
- New insights into the association between arthritis and overactive bladder in NHANES 20052020 - Nature.com - February 15th, 2025
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Market to Hit US$ 79.1 Billion - openPR - February 15th, 2025
- Psoriatic Disease, TNF Inhibitors, and Risk of Major Adverse Events - Medpage Today - February 15th, 2025
- The best treatments for arthritic knees if you want to avoid knee replacement surgery - The Telegraph - February 15th, 2025
- Early Launch Metrics Indicate UCBs Bimzelx (bimekizumab) Poised to Disrupt the U.S. Psoriatic Arthritis Market - GlobeNewswire - February 15th, 2025
- Rosnilimab shows promise in rheumatoid arthritis trial - Investing.com - February 15th, 2025
- 5 foods that keep your joints strong and healthy - Mint - February 15th, 2025
- If You Have Arthritis, This New Makeup Brand Is for You - Money Talks News - February 15th, 2025
- Lower Your Risk Of Rheumatoid Arthritis With These 5 Basic Habits - mindbodygreen - February 15th, 2025
- 'I treat top athletes with arthritis - cupboard staple ingredients are quite effective for pain and swelling' - GB News - February 15th, 2025
- AnaptysBio Whipsaws On Promising Results In Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment - Yahoo - February 15th, 2025
- Rheumatology enters the chat: research projects use AI and collaborative thinking to improve patient care - University of Alberta - February 15th, 2025
- In Patients with HS, a Closer Look at Stigmatization and Perceived Health Status - Medpage Today - February 15th, 2025
- Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment Market is Set To Fly High in Years to Come: AbbVie Inc., Amgen Inc., Johnson & - EIN News - February 15th, 2025
- Sandoz Rolls Out Rival Version Of AbbVie's Arthritis Drug Humira - BW Healthcare World - February 15th, 2025
- GSK To Bounce Regulatory Submissions For Experimental Arthritis Drug - BW Healthcare World - February 15th, 2025
- Living With Arthritis: Health Information Basics for You and Your ... - January 27th, 2025
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take - January 27th, 2025
- Rheumatoid Arthritis | Health Topics | NIAMS - January 27th, 2025
- 6 Things to Know About Psoriatic Arthritis - Hartford HealthCare - January 27th, 2025
- MAPK4 inhibits the early aberrant activation of B cells in rheumatoid arthritis by promoting the IRF4-SHIP1 signaling pathway - Nature.com - January 27th, 2025
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Basics: Overview, Symptoms, and Causes - January 27th, 2025
- 8 Things You Should Do in Your 20s, 30s, and 40s to Prevent Joint Pain Later in Life - Self - January 27th, 2025
- 8 Natural Remedies to Relieve Join Pain and Improve Mobility - Health.com - January 27th, 2025
- East Texas vet tells what to watch for during cold weather in arthritic pets - KTRE - January 27th, 2025
- Research Shows a Link Between Inflammation in the Gut and Rheumatoid Arthritis - Health Central - January 27th, 2025
- Address to the Business Community Attend the Arthritis Foundation Event - TAPinto.net - January 27th, 2025
- The journey of 2-year-old with arthritis - PAHomePage.com - January 27th, 2025
- East Texas vet tells what to watch for during cold weather in arthritic pets - KLTV - January 27th, 2025
- Four tips for managing rheumatoid arthritis in the winter - Yahoo Lifestyle UK - January 27th, 2025
- Living with arthritis: Here's how diet, exercise, and daily habits can ease the pain - Moneycontrol - January 27th, 2025
- Sichuan wildlife park peddles tiger urine, claiming efficacy for rheumatoid arthritis, other conditions - Global Times - January 27th, 2025
- Non-surgical option to ease knee arthritis - The Week - January 27th, 2025
- Ease arthritis pain by adding 1 juice to your diet - Surrey Live - January 27th, 2025
- Four tips for managing rheumatoid arthritis in the winter - Yahoo News UK - January 27th, 2025
- Drinking one juice can ease arthritis pain, studies reveal - Daily Record - January 27th, 2025
- Annual Health Observances | NIAMS - National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) - October 6th, 2024
- Obesity dampens rheumatoid arthritis treatment effectiveness, satisfaction - Healio - October 6th, 2024
- Patient Perspectives: Finding Grace While Living With Rheumatoid Arthritis - Rheumatology Advisor - October 6th, 2024
- Rheumatoid arthritis tied to heavy economic and human burdens - Medical Xpress - October 6th, 2024
- Dual therapy can have synergistic effect in difficult-to-treat inflammatory diseases - Healio - October 6th, 2024
- Hand-Held Scanner Could Transform Cancer and Arthritis Diagnosis - Technology Networks - October 6th, 2024
- Medical imaging breakthrough could transform cancer and arthritis diagnosis - University College London - October 6th, 2024
- Citryll and leading rheumatology centres receive - GlobeNewswire - October 6th, 2024
- Its going to be ubiquitous: Weight loss drugs may aid rheumatic disease treatment - Healio - October 6th, 2024
- Comorbidities Associated With Psoriasis: 5 Things to Know - Medscape - October 6th, 2024
- Opinion: Let's treat arthritis with the seriousness it deserves - Vancouver Sun - October 6th, 2024
- New handheld scanner technology could transform cancer and arthritis diagnosis - The Engineer - October 6th, 2024
- Stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis: Functional cartilage regeneration using 3d bioprinting technology - Open Access Government - October 6th, 2024
- Handheld scanner could transform cancer and arthritis diagnosis study - The Independent - October 6th, 2024
- Ankylosing Spondylitis and Self-Care: 6 Science-Backed Tips - Everyday Health - October 6th, 2024
- From a Labrador with arthritis to a goldfishs lifespan your pet queries answered... - The Sun - October 6th, 2024
- 15 Home Essentials That Make Life Easier If You Have Arthritis - HuffPost - September 21st, 2024
- Gout, a painful form of arthritis, is on the rise. Avoiding red meat and alcohol can help. - Yahoo Life - September 21st, 2024
- Arthritis Can Flare Up in Colder Weather: Tips to Easing the Pain - MedicineNet - September 21st, 2024
- Arthritis Can Flare Up in Colder Weather: Tips to Easing the Pan - U.S. News & World Report - September 21st, 2024
- Arthritis can flare up in colder weather: Tips to easing the pan - Medical Xpress - September 21st, 2024
- See how Waymo is bringing Arthritis Foundation of Arizona families to the ballpark - ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix - September 21st, 2024
- Prevalence of Loneliness in Inflammatory Arthritis and its Association with Disease Activity - Physician's Weekly - September 21st, 2024
- Psoriatic Arthritis and Gluten: Whats the Link? - Health Central - September 21st, 2024
- Arthritis Can Flare Up in Colder Weather: Tips to Easing the Pan - Southernminn.com - September 21st, 2024
- 6 Knee Injuries That Can Cause Arthritis - Health News Hub - September 21st, 2024
- The Best Rheumatoid Arthritis Self-Care Tips To Soothe Painful Joints and Improve Mobility - Yahoo Life - September 21st, 2024
- Arthritis Can Flare Up in Colder Weather: Tips to Easing the Pan - El Paso Inc. - September 21st, 2024
- Shifting kneecap in kids? Early ligament repair can prevent arthritis in young Age: Experts - The Times of India - September 21st, 2024
- Arthritis Can Flare Up in Colder Weather: Tips to Easing the Pan - Shelbynews - September 21st, 2024
- Arthritis Can Flare Up in Colder Weather: Tips to Easing the Pan - Citizentribune - September 21st, 2024
- Arthritis Can Flare Up in Colder Weather: Tips to Easing the Pan - News-Daily.com - September 21st, 2024
- Casavant: Access to virtual care at risk for millions of arthritis patients - Daily Independent - September 21st, 2024
- Arthritis Can Flare Up in Colder Weather: Tips to Easing the Pan - Avery Journal Times - September 21st, 2024
- Arthritis Can Flare Up in Colder Weather: Tips to Easing the Pan - The Elkhart Truth - September 21st, 2024
- What To Eat (And Skip) on a Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet To Reduce Painful Inflammation - Woman's World - September 21st, 2024
- Tiny knee bone linked to arthritis may have helped humans walk upright, scientists suggest - Sky News - September 13th, 2024
- Medical Marijuana Helps People With Arthritis And Other Rheumatic Conditions Reduce Use Of Opioids And Other Medications, Study Shows - Marijuana... - September 13th, 2024
- My 'stomach bug' turned out to be an agonising pain condition that left me wheelchair bound within four years - Daily Mail - September 13th, 2024
- Distinct mucosal endotypes as initiators and drivers of rheumatoid arthritis - Nature.com - September 13th, 2024