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# MSM supplement helps knee osteoarthritis
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/msm_supplement_helps_knee_osteoarthritis_0427130714/
- Published: 2013-04-27T08:13:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T16:12:55.000Z
- Description: In a 12-week randomized trial of 50 adults with knee osteoarthritis, 3 grams of MSM twice a day reduced WOMAC pain and physical function impairment and improved daily living scores, though stiffness and total symptom scores did not change.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Supplements, Nutrition, #vivvo-import

By David Liu, PHD

Saturday April 27, 2013 (foodconsumer.org) -- A study released in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage confirms that methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), a dietary supplement that has been commonly used to treat knee osteoarthritis among other things, is effective in helping patients with the chronic disease when used as a single agent or in combination with other nutrients.

The study led by L.S. Kim and colleagues found those using the MSM dietary supplement significantly decreased in WOMAC pain and physical function impairment although no change was observed in WOMAC stiffness and aggregated total symptom scores.

Enrolled in the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial were 50 men and women aged 40 to 76 years with knee osteoarthritis who were assigned to take either three grams of MSM or placebo twice a day (six grams per day in total) for 12 weeks. 

Outcomes monitored includes "the the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index visual analogue scale (WOMAC), patient and physician global assessments (disease status, response to therapy), and SF-36 (overall health-related quality of life)."

The study also found MSM supplementation improved daily living performance, compared to the placebo, on the SF-36 evaluation.

The researchers concluded "MSM (3 g twice a day) improved symptoms of pain and physical function during the short intervention without major adverse events."

Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis is the second largest cause of long-term disability among middle-aged and older Americans. 

MSM is also known as many other names including DMSO2, dimethyl sulfone MSM, methyl sulfone, methyl sulfonyl methane, methyl sulphonyl methane, sulfonyl sulfur, and dimethylsulfone.