For adults taking either MSM or glucosamine for their arthritis pain, a new study from India says a combination of both nutrients provides the most potent relief. This is important news for the millions of North Americans that suffer from long-term health problems due to arthritis and related conditions such as osteoarthritis, which affects an estimated one in 10 Canadians.

Researchers from Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences in Hyderabad, India randomized 118 people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis to receive either 500 mg glucosamine, 500 mg MSM, a combination of both, or placebo capsules three times daily for 12 weeks.

Patients were evaluated prior to the study and several times during treatment for efficacy and safety. After 12 weeks, groups taking the glucosamine and MSM alone both saw a drop in joint pain scores. However, pain scores dropped most in the combination group.

The researchers report that while both glucosamine and MSM did improve osteoarthritis symptoms, when taken together, the effect was greater than either alone.

“Combination therapy showed better efficacy in reducing pain and swelling and in improving the functional ability of joints than the individual agents,” they said.

Source: Clin Drug Invest 24:(6); 353-363