MSM for Knee Pain: Does It Really Help?

observational-study PMID: 37447322

Quick Summary: A recent study found that taking methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), a common supplement, may help improve knee pain and stiffness in people with mild knee problems. Participants taking MSM reported better quality of life compared to those taking a placebo.

What The Research Found

This study looked at how MSM affects people with mild knee pain. The results showed that taking MSM daily for six weeks led to:

Reduced Knee Pain: People taking MSM reported less pain.

Less Stiffness: MSM helped reduce stiffness in the knee.

Improved Quality of Life: Overall, people felt better and had a better quality of life related to their knee.

Study Details

Who was studied: 88 healthy Japanese adults aged 40-70 with mild knee pain.

How long: The study lasted for 6 weeks.

What they took: Participants took either 1,200 mg of MSM daily (split into two doses) or a placebo (a dummy pill).

What This Means For You

If you have mild knee pain, MSM might be worth considering. This study suggests it could help reduce pain and stiffness, and improve your overall knee-related quality of life.

Talk to your doctor: Before starting any new supplement, it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor.

Consider the dosage: The study used 1,200 mg of MSM per day.

Manage expectations: This study showed modest improvements. MSM may not be a cure-all, but it could help manage your symptoms.

Study Limitations

It's important to keep these things in mind:

Short Study: The study only lasted 6 weeks, so we don't know the long-term effects of MSM.

Specific Group: The study was done on Japanese adults, so the results might not be the same for everyone.

Subjective Measures: The study relied on people reporting their pain and stiffness, which can be influenced by personal feelings.

No Biomarkers: The study didn't measure inflammation directly.

Funding Source: The study didn't disclose who funded it, which is important to know.

Key Findings

The study found that daily oral supplementation with 1,200 mg of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) significantly improved knee-related quality of life scores in healthy Japanese adults with mild knee pain. Participants receiving MSM showed greater improvements in the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) compared to placebo, with statistically significant differences observed at 6 weeks. Secondary outcomes, including pain and stiffness, also improved, though no significant changes were noted in physical function or safety markers.

Study Design

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted in Japan. A total of 88 participants (aged 40–70 years) with mild knee pain were enrolled. The study duration was 6 weeks, with outcomes assessed at baseline, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks. The placebo group received identical tablets without MSM.

Dosage & Administration

Participants consumed 1,200 mg/day of MSM (two 600 mg tablets twice daily) or placebo. Supplements were administered orally, with no dietary or lifestyle restrictions specified. Compliance was monitored via tablet counts at follow-up visits.

Results & Efficacy

KOOS scores: MSM group improved by 12.4 points (baseline to 6 weeks), vs. 6.9 points in placebo (between-group difference: 5.5 points, p = 0.003, 95% CI 2.0–9.1).
Pain subscale: MSM reduced pain by 14.1 points vs. 7.4 points in placebo (p = 0.012).
Stiffness subscale: MSM improved stiffness by 10.2 points vs. 4.3 points in placebo (p = 0.021).
Physical function: No significant difference between groups (p = 0.072).
Safety: Adverse events were mild and comparable between groups (11.1% vs. 13.6% in placebo).

Limitations

Short duration (6 weeks) limits conclusions on long-term efficacy/safety.
Narrow demographics: Participants were exclusively Japanese adults, potentially reducing generalizability to other populations.
No inflammatory biomarkers measured; the proposed anti-inflammatory mechanism remains unconfirmed.
Self-reported outcomes: Reliance on subjective pain/stiffness scales introduces potential bias.
Funding source not disclosed, raising questions about conflicts of interest.

Clinical Relevance

For individuals with mild knee pain, 1,200 mg/day of MSM may offer modest improvements in quality of life and symptom relief, particularly stiffness and pain. However, the lack of objective joint health measures (e.g., imaging) and short follow-up period suggest further research is needed before broad clinical recommendations. The supplement appears well-tolerated, aligning with prior safety profiles. Users should consider MSM as a potential adjunct for mild joint discomfort but consult healthcare providers for chronic or severe conditions.

Note: This analysis focuses on the study provided, which evaluated MSM, not Chlorella. Ensure accurate ingredient identification for future research summaries.