Chondroitin, glucosamine and methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, are commonly found, either separately or together as a complex, in supplements marketed for joint health. They are also taken for relieving pain associated osteoarthritis — a painful degenerative condition that results in stiff, achy joints. These substances may offer anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving benefits, taken alone or in combination.
What actually is MSM? Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organosulfur compound with the formula (CH3)2SO2.
Chondroitin Cushions Joints
Chondroitin is a major constituent of the connective tissue in your body known as cartilage, which helps cushion your joints and prevent your bones from rubbing against each other. Chondroitin absorbs water and other fluids, which helps keep your cartilage hydrated and healthy. It’s taken as a supplement to treat osteoarthritis, a form of arthritis that results from the breakdown of cartilage.
Glucosamine and Joint Health
Like chondroitin, glucosamine is produced naturally in your body and plays a role in joint health. It helps build and repair cartilage that connects the joints. It’s common to take glucosamine alone or with chondroitin for osteoarthritis. Glucosamine possesses anti-inflammatory properties, and data suggests it may help relieve osteoarthritis pain.
Methylsulfonylmethane and Osteoarthritis
MSM is a sulfur-containing compound that helps support tendons and muscles. Because of MSM’s pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, researchers examined whether it had benefits alone or in combination with glucosamine for knee osteoarthritis. In the study, 118 adults with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis took MSM and glucosamine alone or in combination for 12 weeks. Researchers found MSM and glucosamine effectively relieves knee osteoarthritis pain and that the combination of the two produces even better results.
Taking the Complex
The combination of chondroitin, glucosamine and MSM is used to support healthy joints and taken to reduce pain in those with osteoarthritis and other inflammatory joint problems.
