Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a newly popular sulfur compound that appears to inhibit pain impulses along nerve fibers, acting as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory. Although few controlled studies have been done in humans, MSM has eased the pain associated with osteoarthritis in many people who use it regularly.

Is MSM safe?
Few studies on the supplement have been done. We asked Ronald M. Laurence, M.D., Ph.D., assistant clinical professor at UCLA School of Medicine and author of a book on MSM (The Miracle of MSM, Putnam's, 1999)."In the thousands of patients I have treated who took 2,000 mg and more of MSM daily for many months and years, I haven't heard of any serious complaints to date," Dr. Laurence says. "In fact, I feel comfortable telling people that MSM is safer than water. Remember, though, MSM is a biologically active substance and can sometimes produce side effects, such as skin rash or minor gastrointestinal upset, in some people. If you're on anticoagulants, you should check with your doctor before taking MSM, because it can occasionally have a blood-thinning effect."

Are some forms of MSM more effective than others?
Dr. Laurence replies: "Many of my arthritic patients have found that they experienced less pain when they took MSM in combination with glucosamine, and a number of companies are now adding MSM to their glucosamine formulations. I recommend taking a combination of 500 mg of MSM and 500 mg of glucosamine three times a day. Using MSM cream in addition to the oral supplement also works well for some people. Rub MSM cream on the arthritic area four or five times a day for best results. I suggest adding 1 teaspoon of MSM powder to the cream to make it even more potent."

Suggested dose
1 capsule taken 1 to 3 times daily preferably with meals or as directed by a healthcare professional

Brand
SupplementSpot

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