These findings present an exciting opportunity for supplement brands looking to innovate in the mobility space and unlock joint health solutions with unique, science-backed ingredients.
The study, “Methylsulfonylmethane Improves Knee Quality of Life in Participants with Mild Knee Pain,” was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that set out to evaluate the effects of oral consumption of MSM in relieving mild knee joint pain.
Published in the scientific journal Nutrients, the study evaluated 88 healthy adults who were experiencing mild pain in the knee joint(s), and consumed 2 g of OptiMSM or a placebo daily for 12 weeks.
The participants were evaluated at 4, 8, and 12 weeks for pain and stiffness in the knees during daily life activities. The assessment included reports of pain when walking, when ascending or descending stairs and any variance in range of motion, and fluid build-up in the joints.
At the end of the 12 weeks, evaluations measured through the JKOM scoring system showed significant reductions in morning pain, nocturnal pain, pain while standing, and overall health condition in the MSM group compared with the placebo group.
Nocturnal pain and pain while standing were also reduced after 8 weeks of MSM consumption.
OptiMSM is a source of sulphur, a key component of the building blocks of joints and connective tissue, which rely on sulphur for proper structure and function.
Several preclinical and clinical studies have shown OptiMSM’s potential to support joint health and its ability to aid in the production of the crucial antioxidant glutathione, helping to manage oxidative stress and building healthy joints and repairing them post-exercise and activity.
Supplementation with OptiMSM has also been previously linked to relieved joint pain and reflected the improvement of several indicators of joint conditions, in clinical studies with patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis.
“We are particularly excited about this study as it was the first done with healthy adults, and to highlight OptiMSM’s potential to be effective at just 2 g/day,” notes Eric Ciappio, PhD, RD, Strategic Development Manager and nutrition scientist for Balchem Human Nutrition & Health.
“Joint health is a priority for people across multiple generations who are proactively seeking ways to ensure a good quality of life as they age,” says Lauren Eisen, Strategic Marketing & BD Manager.
“In addition, according to the World Health Organization by the end of the decade one in six people worldwide will be over 60, which presents the opportunity to prioritise staying active. High-quality, innovative ingredients such as OptiMSM will play a pivotal role in joint health segment growth.”
OptiMSM has set the standard for purity, safety, and consistency in nutritional dietary supplement applications of MSM. Produced through a proprietary multi-stage distillation process, OptiMSM is the purest and only GRAS-designated MSM to receive a no objection notice from the FDA.
