Few other arthritis supplements have caused such a stir as MSM. But does it really have the pain killing and anti-inflammatory abilities that it is credited for? Many sources just hype this supplement as something that it really isn't. However, when MSM is taken with other potent joint supplements, it has beneficial results for many arthritis sufferers.

MSM is an excellent source of mineral sulphur. Just like glucosamine is an essential building block for cartilage, sulphur also plays a vital role in the makeup of cartilage. It is involved in pain control, inflammation, detoxification and the repair of tissue. Interestingly, the sulphur levels in the cartilage of those with osteoarthritis are much lower. The idea is that the body uses more sulphur to fight the inflammation and to repair the damaged cartilage. Most reports show that supplementing 1-3 grams can relieve inflammation, back pain, joint pain and muscle pain.

Arthritis pain is often also worsened by pressure changes in the cells. When the cells inflate or deflate, the surrounding nerves can register these fluctuations as pain. Sulphur improves cell membrane fluidity and pressure buildup in the cells. In other words, it increases cell permeability, allowing the pressure outside the cells to be the same as the inside. This means that the nerves will register less pain.

Sulphur is also involved in the absorption of important nutrients. For example, it locks with Co-enzyme Q-10, vitamins B, A, E, selenium and calcium. So for the body to properly absorb these nutrients, it needs sufficient sulphur. If the body cannot absorb these nutrients, it will not be able to detoxify itself sufficiently, thereby adding to the overall inflammation levels in the body. Therefore it is also important that you get enough vitamins to assist MSM in treating pain and inflammation.

There is more evidence for the efficacy of glucosamine than there is for MSM. That does not mean, however, that it is not valuable as a supplement. In 2006, a study with 50 men and women with osteoarthritis showed that supplementing 6g reduced pain without any side-effects. There are no studies larger than this one that I have come across.

It seems to work best in combination with glucosamine and also chondroitin, since they both provide essential cartilage building blocks. Typically, patients benefit from 1-4g of glucosamine with 600-200mg of MSM. The lower doses can be taken as a preventative tactic, and the higher doses for repair and pain relief.

MSM need to be taken with a combination of other arthritis supplements. To read about a product that contains all the most potent anti-arthritis nutrients and that will relieve your symptoms in 3 days, click on this link:

www.best-arthritis-supplement.info

For more informative reading:

www.your-joint-pain-solutions.com

Thanks and Good Luck!