TL; DR MSM vs Glucosamine Summary:
Serious joint pain is frustrating so it’s not a surprise that people are looking for different supplements that could help them. Two popular ingredients in joint supplements are MSM and glucosamine.
Glucosamine is a natural substance found in animal cartilage and tissue and has been proven to help with cartilage issues and joint aches. However, some studies have found no effect from glucosamine.
Some people could get more benefits from MSM, while others could get more relief from glucosamine, it all depends on the person. We are all different. We think it is best to use both ingredients if you’re looking for relief when it comes to joint issues. Each ingredient has its own benefits, so combining both of them will boost the effects substantially.
What is MSM?
MSM stands for methylsulfonylmethane. [1] It is a natural compound known to help with connective tissue healing, inflammation, and other joint issues. MSM can be found in leeks, garlic, and lettuce, for example. For those who are deficient or are looking to alleviate joint issues, joint supplements with MSM can indeed be a helpful option. Some of the benefits of taking MSM include:
- Promotes wound healing
- Maintaind healthy nails, skin, and hair
- Alleviates joint pain and inflammation
- Repairs cartilage
- Helps with connective tissue healing
All of these benefits from MSM are backed by studies, which makes this a great ingredient and it’s no surprise that some of the best joint supplements on the market use it.
MSM can be used topically as well for conditions such as dermatitis or eczema. In the long run, it can also help if you have arthritis.
How does MSM work for joint pain and flexibility?
The way MSM can reduce joint pain and improve flexibility is by providing support for the connective tissue as well as through its anti-inflammatory properties.
What is Glucosamine?
Now that you know what MSM is, let’s take a closer look at Glucosamine. Glucosamine can also be quite beneficial for joint health. It is known for its ability to decrease joint pain, inflammation, and discomfort, and ultimately help improve the lifestyle of people with arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Glucosamine is a part of glycosaminoglycans, proteins that form the connective tissues in the body. In other words, it is a component of cartilage and can reduce arthritis pain caused by inflammation.
The way glucosamine works is by interfering with the TNF-alpha, the group of proteins that cause inflammation. It also affects other enzymes such as NF-kB, COX-2, and PGE-2. [2, 3]
There are some other ways glucosamine works for joint issues, such as through the synthesis of certain enzymes in cells, for example, in cartilage cells and other connective tissue cells. This can lead to reduced chronic inflammation, as well as reduced production of cytokines that are connected with pain management short-term. [4]
Differences between MSM and Glucosamine
Glucosamine comes from the shells of crustaceans, while MSM is found naturally in the body. The biggest differences between these two ingredients is where they can be found in the body and how they are made.
So, Which is Better for Joint Health?
Glucosamine contains compounds similar to components of cartilage. MSM, on the other hand, is a nutrient found in plenty of foods, including meat, eggs, fish, and legumes. Some people prefer to use MSM instead of glucosamine for their joint health because of more sulfur inside. The sulfur content makes MSM better for joints because it maintains healthy connective tissues that support cartilage and other tissues.
Don’t get us wrong, glucosamine is also highly potent for joint health. We think you should use both glucosamine and MSM for the highest effects. Both of these are highly studied, and when used in optimal doses, are indeed safe for long-term consumption.
Further Reading:
- Is MSM Good for the Brain?
- Can You Take MSM and Turmeric Together?
- How Long Does MSM Stay in Your System
References
- Butawan M, Benjamin RL, Bloomer RJ. Methylsulfonylmethane: Applications and Safety of a Novel Dietary Supplement. Nutrients. 2017 Mar 16;9(3):290. doi: 10.3390/nu9030290. PMID: 28300758; PMCID: PMC5372953.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5372953/ - Scotto d’Abusco A, Cicione C, Calamia V, Negri R, Giordano C, Grigolo B, Politi L, Scandurra R. Glucosamine and its N-acetyl-phenylalanine derivative prevent TNF-alpha-induced transcriptional activation in human chondrocytes. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2007 Nov-Dec;25(6):847-52. PMID: 18173918.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18173918/ - Kapoor M, Mineau F, Fahmi H, Pelletier JP, Martel-Pelletier J. Glucosamine sulfate reduces prostaglandin E(2) production in osteoarthritic chondrocytes through inhibition of microsomal PGE synthase-1. J Rheumatol. 2012 Mar;39(3):635-44. doi: 10.3899/jrheum.110621. Epub 2011 Nov 15. PMID: 22089456.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22089456/ - Kim JA, Ahn BN, Kong CS, Kim SK. Anti-inflammatory action of sulfated glucosamine on cytokine regulation in LPS-activated PMA-differentiated THP-1 macrophages. Inflamm Res. 2011 Dec;60(12):1131-8. doi: 10.1007/s00011-011-0377-7. Epub 2011 Aug 30. PMID: 21877189.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21877189/
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