Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 17, 2026
Author Spotlight: Fu's Subcutaneous Needling for Knee Osteoarthritis Pain
Published on: March 24, 2023
A randomized controlled trial evaluating methylsulfonylmethane versus placebo to prevent knee pain in military
David J Tennent1, Christina M Hylden, Benjamin K Kocher
1Department of Orthopaedics, San Antonio Military Medical Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
Background:
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring sulfur containing substance that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. Previous studies using MSM as an oral supplement to improve pain in those patients with knee osteoarthritis have shown superiority compared to placebo. However, these studies are not translatable to active individuals performing high impact activities and have not evaluated MSM as a preventative measure.
Methods:
A total of 180 subjects ranging in age from 18 to 40 years were enrolled. Subjects were randomized into 2 groups receiving either 3 grams OptiMSM methylsulfonylmethane (Bergstrom Nutrition, Vancouver, WA) or a placebo for 8 weeks. Outcomes measured were the Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and the Profile of Moods States (POMS).
Results:
Three grams of MSM administered daily did not provide significant improvements in the 5 KOOS subscales or the 6 POMS subscales at 30 days or 60 days.
Conslusion:
Although 3 grams of MSM daily can be used safely, there does not appear to be a significant improvement in KOOS or POMS.
