MSM: Natural Cure for Pain?
Edited by by Densie Webb, PhD, RD

It's backed by success stories, if not by science MSM—a supplement that claims to relieve osteoarthritis pain—is the "star" of a new book called The Miracle of MSM (G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1999), written by its biggest proponents, Stanley Jacob, MD, professor of surgery at Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, and neuropsychiatrist Ronald Lawrence, MD, of the UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles. Short for Methylsulfonylmethane, MSM is a sulfur-containing compound found in trace amounts in food. Drs. Jacob and Lawrence have studied MSM and have prescribed it for their patients for almost 20 years.

Though they believe that MSM also relieves chronic headaches and back pain, they see the relief of arthritis pain as its biggest claim to fame. In theory, MSM reduces inflammation by increasing the effectiveness of cortisol, which is the body's own natural inflammation fighter.

The Evidence
Only two studies have measured whether MSM really works in people. In one study by Dr. Lawrence, 80% of those taking 2,250 milligrams (mg) a day of MSM experienced significant osteoarthritis pain relief, compared to only about 16% of those treated with a placebo.

The other study, done by Dr. Jacob, compared MSM to ibuprofen in 24 osteoarthritis sufferers and found that 6,000 mg a day of MSM was just as effective as 600 mg of ibuprofen three times a day—without any of the side effects of ibuprofen. However, these studies have not been published. Almost all we know about MSM comes from success stories from patients of the two doctors.

The Bottom Line
As with many supplements today, there's little clinical evidence that MSM works. [Note: Almost all natural and/or dietary supplements are said to have little evidence to support their use.  It is recommended that you read and compare the literature from the drug companies regarding their non-natural (drug) products - pay close attention to the side-effects].  All we have is anecdotal testimony. However, MSM appears safe, even in large doses, and it's inexpensive. So, osteoarthritis sufferers who haven't had success with traditional remedies would seem to have nothing to lose by giving MSM a try. If you do, you may have to wait for relief—perhaps 4 weeks or more, according to Drs. Jacob and Lawrence.*

MSM at a Glance

Name:
MSM (short for methylsulfonylmethane), a sulfur-containing compound Benefit: May relieve the pain of osteoarthritis.

Dose:
Recommended starting dosage is 1,000 milligrams (mg) a day. [Dosages up to 30,000 mg a day are considered safe.]

Caution:
May have a mild blood-thinning effect. Don't combine with other blood thinners, such as warfarin or aspirin.

"Though it sounds a little like snake oil, it's fabulous for arthritis. I believe it is probably 90% effective." —neuropsychiatrist Ronald Lawrence, MD

Copyright © 1999 by Rodale Inc.

[Comments in brackets, bold type and hyperlinks are not in the original article and are added for emphasis]

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