Glucosamine and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) have a synergistic effect against osteoarthritis, according to a new study.

Researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind clinical trial of 118 subjects with mild to moderate osteoarthritis in India. The patients took either 500 milligrams of glucosamine, 500 milligrams of methylsulfonylmethane, a combination of both, or an inactive placebo three times daily for 12 weeks.

At the end of the study, the average pain score dropped from 1.74 to 0.65 in the group treated only with glucosamine and from 1.53 to 0.74 in the group treated solely with MSM. The group treated with both substances experienced the largest reduction in average pain scores, experiencing a drop from 1.7 to 0.36. In addition, using both glucosamine and MSM resulted in a more rapid lessening of pain and inflammation compared to using the glucosamine alone.

The researchers also found that the combination treatment had a faster effect on pain and inflammation compared to glucosamine alone.

Reference:

Usha PR, Naidu MUR, et. al. Clin Drug Invest. June 2004;24:353-363

Glucosamine and MSM are found in VRPs Nutri-Joint and Glucosamine Complex.

The information in this article is not intended to provide personal medical advice, which should be obtained from a medical professional, and has not been approved by the U.S. FDA.

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