MSM (Methyl-sulfonyl-methane) & Glucosamine
A study that shows the effectiveness of the formulation of Sea Pet’s Super Joint Products. Reuters Health News (July 21, 2004) reports that a new study confirms that two popular supplements work better when used together to treat arthritis caused by wear and tear on joints.
The study shows that the combination of glucosamine and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is more effective against the pain of osteoarthritis than when either agent is used alone.
Sea Starr Animal Health (SSAH) had also consistently noted and stressed that glucosamine and MSM, by themselves, were not as effective in treating arthritic conditions. Several years ago in discussions with several veterinarian clients, SSAH formulated the Sea Pet Super Joint product line – a combination of glucosamine, MSM and shark cartilage in powder and treat forms.
In the journal, Clinical Drug Investigations, Drs. P.R. Usha and M.U.R. Naidu now have reported that although glucosamine and MSM individually did lessen the pain and swelling in patients’ affected joints, the combined therapy was more effective than the single agents. Together these agents improved the function of the joints.
In the study, 118 patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis were treated either with just glucosamine, with just MSM, with a combination of the two or with an inactive placebo.
After 12 weeks of treatment, the average pain score had fallen by similar amounts for the glucosamine-only group and the MSM-only group. However, the decrease in the pain score was 50% greater for those patients in the combination group!
The researchers also found that the combination treatment had a faster effect on lessening pain and inflammation compared to glucosamine alone. They reported that, “It can be concluded that the combination of MSM with glucosamine provides better and more rapid improvement in patients with osteoarthritis.”
The Arthritis Solution for Dogs
by Shawn Messonnier, D.V.M.
(The following is quoted from Dr. Messonier’s book in “The Natural Vet Series” of books published by Prima Pet.)
MSM
Methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM for short, is a natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic. It is a stable metabolite of DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide). MSM supplies sulfur to the body, which can be used for the treatment of a variety of disorders including osteoarthritis, allergies, and digestive disorders. For example, sulfur is an essential chemical needed for the synthesis of cartilage, which may explain its use in the treatment of arthritis.
MSM is found naturally in a variety of foods including meat, fish, eggs, poultry, milk, and to a lesser amount, in vegetables, legumes, and fruits. Because of mineral depletion in soil and because MSM is lost during the storage and preparation of food, some concern exists that dietary sources may not provide enough sulfur to our pets. Additionally, the amount of MSM in the body decreases with age, indicating a possible need for this compound in older pets.
In arthritic cartilage, the concentration of sulfur is about one-third the level found in normal cartilage. MSM may help treat arthritis via an anti-inflammatory benefit and by providing sulfur used by the cartilage in the healing process.Studies in people and animals showed improved joint flexibility, reduced stiffness and swelling, and reduced pain. Animals with rheumatoid arthritis that were given MSM showed no cartilage degeneration.
MSM is very safe and may help treat arthritis via an anti-inflammatory benefit and by providing sulfur used by the cartilage in the healing process.MSM is considered very safe, although extreme overdoses can make animals ill. No long-term side effects were seen when human volunteers were given MSM for up to 6 months.
While MSM may be of benefit to pets, more research is needed to determine the optimum dosage and treatment schedule.”