'Modest' Arthritis Benefit Seen From MSM

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Modest' Arthritis Benefit Seen From MSM

Sulfur Supplement Helps Relieve Pain From Knee Osteoarthritis, Small

Study Suggests

By DeNoon

WebMD Medical News

Reviewed By Brunilda Nazario, MD

on Wednesday, August 24, 2005



Aug. 24, 2005 - A sulfur supplement called MSM offers " modest " pain

relief from knee osteoarthritis, a small study suggests.

MSM -- methylsulfonylmethane -- is a popular supplement for which a

number of health claims are made. However, rigorous scientific

studies of MSM are few and far between.

Now there's a bit more evidence, thanks to a pilot study presented at

this week's meeting of the American Association of Naturopathic

Physicians in Phoenix.

Study leader Axelrod, ND, of the Southwest College of

Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Ariz., has already been prescribing

MSM to patients with arthritis. She says she's glad to have evidence

to back up her clinical impression.

" MSM is a viable option for the treatment of osteoarthritis, " Axelrod

tells WebMD. " It is valuable to use it in conjunction with diet,

exercise, and other things that are beneficial for arthritis

patients. Our study shows that MSM significantly reduces pain and

increases physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. "

Small Study, Modest Benefit for MSM

Axelrod's team enrolled 50 men and women, aged 40 to 76, with mild-to-

moderate knee osteoarthritis. After a washout period to make sure

there were no lingering effects from other drugs, half the patients

took 6 grams per day of MSM for 12 weeks. The other 25 patients got

an identical-looking placebo.

Axelrod notes that 6 grams per day is a lot of MSM -- twice the dose

she usually recommends.

The study results:

21 patients in the MSM group and 19 patients in the placebo group

completed the study.

Patients who got MSM reported 12% less pain and 14% more knee

function than those who got the placebo.

Improvements in knee stiffness and overall symptoms favored the MSM

group but were not significant.

" These findings suggest MSM may be considered for short-term use in

osteoarthritis, " Axelrod and colleagues write in their research

abstract. " The clinical effects compared to placebo were, however,

modest. "

Arthritis Foundation Reacts

The Arthritis Foundation says it's unlikely this small study will

change its 1999 statement on MSM. " At this time, MSM is classified by

the Arthritis Foundation as an unproven remedy, " the statement reads.

But Lindsey, MD, chief of rheumatology at the Ochsner Clinic

Foundation Baton Rouge, says MSM is safe enough for patients to give

it a try.

" I feel pretty good that MSM does no harm, but it is a pretty modest

agent, " Lindsey tells WebMD. " You will see an occasional person get

good results. I would use it with glucosamine and chondroitin for

patients wanting to try a supplement. "

Lindsey agrees with the Arthritis Foundation that any arthritis

patient using any supplement -- including MSM -- should tell their

doctor what they are taking.

And he agrees with Axelrod that lifestyle changes -- weight control,

modest exercise, and good diet -- are at least as important to

arthritis treatment as any drug or supplement a person can take.

SOURCES: 20th Annual Meeting of the American Association of

Naturopathic Physicians, Phoenix, Aug. 24-27, 2005. The Arthritis

Foundation. Axelrod, ND, professor, Southwest College of

Naturopathic Medicine, Tempe, Ariz. Lindsey, MD, section head

of rheumatology, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, Baton Rouge, La.

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