MSM Slightly Relieves Arthritis Pain

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a popular anti-arthritis supplement that decreases homocysteine, which is a marker of inflammation. An Israeli study of nearly 50 middle-aged and older adults showed that MSM administered for 12 weeks (1.1 grams, three times per day) decreased knee pain and increased physical function compared to a placebo (fake MSM). However, these differences were extremely small (1-2 percent). We need more studies to determine if MSM has long-term beneficial effects on joint pain in people with arthritis. (BMC Complementary And Alternative Medicine, published online)