Recent Studies with MSM, Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Clinical Study 1. We would like to share with you important clinical research that proves the benefits of MSM in combination with glucosamine.  In this recently published, randomized, double-blind trial, published in the journal Clinical Drug Investigations, it was found that MSM, glucosamine sulfate, and their combination produced pain-relief and anti-inflammatory effects in osteoarthritis of the knee. 

Participants received either 1,500 mg per day of MSM, 1,500 mg per day of glucosamine sulfate, both, or placebo in the 12-week trial. Compared to placebo, the nutrients, individually and in combination, produced statistically significant decreases in the Lequesne Index, a standardized measurement of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis. The combination of MSM and glucosamine was more effective than either treatment alone. 

The study provides clinical evidence of synergy between MSM and glucosamine in combating the symptoms of osteoarthritis. The publication of these study results validates the conclusions of Cardinal Nutrition's own recently completed randomized, double-blind study of OptiMSM for osteoarthritis of the knee. Since this clinical trial has not yet been published, we are unable to disclose specific results. However, the findings were positive, statistically significant, and wholly consistent with the findings of the MSM/glucosamine study discussed above.

Clinical Study 2. Chondroitin Sulfate May Slow Knee Osteoarthritis - Taking chondroitin sulfate supplements over short periods significantly relieved pain and improved mobility in patients with knee osteoarthritis, according to researchers.  The study, looking at the effect of chondroitin taken over two three-month periods during one year, supported the long-term results of the supplement for osteoarthritis, said an international team writing in the April issue of Osteoarthritis and Cartilage (vol.12: 269-276). 

Osteoarthritis is a major cause of disability and there is neither an effective treatment to stop the disease worsening, nor a cure. The only available treatment is pain relief and replacing the worn out joints.  Knee osteoarthritis affects 14.1 per cent of men and 22.8 per cent of women over the age of 45 but increases in life expectancy and ageing populations are expected to make osteoarthritis the fourth leading cause of disability by 2020, according to the World Health Organization. 

In the new study, the group taking chondroitin sulfate (800 mg daily) saw symptoms measured by Lequesne’s algo - functional index (pain and knee function) decrease by 36 per cent after one year compared to 23 per cent in the placebo group. Secondary measures of efficacy, such as walking time and paracetamol, also showed similar results. And X-rays at the end of the study revealed that while the placebo group patients had significantly decreased femoro-tibial joint space width, there was no change in the chondroitin group.  

The researchers conclude that the intermittent administration of chondroitin sulfate supplements twice a year supports the prolonged effect seen with other symptom-modifying agents for osteoarthritis. They add that the inhibitory effect on progression of joint space narrowing could suggest further evidence of its ability to improve the condition.