Glucosamine Chondroitin & MSM

[scottmandue]

I have been taking this stuff for years for my bad knees... wife is getting arthritis and wants to start taking it... however she is allergic to sulfur... in the descriptions below taken from wiki there are words that sound like sulfur but we are not sure it they would set off her allergy. She has asked her Doc twice and he just says "I don't think you need it" but does not comment on the sulfur content.

I know a lot of doctor are not big on supplements and homeopathic remedies.

Curious what the brain trusts thinks... and if anyone knows if my wife will have an allergic reaction to these.

Thanks in advance.



Chondroitin sulfate is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) composed of a chain of alternating sugars (N-acetylgalactosamine and glucuronic acid). It is usually found attached to proteins as part of a proteoglycan. A chondroitin chain can have over 100 individual sugars, each of which can be sulfated in variable positions and quantities. Chondroitin sulfate is an important structural component of cartilage and provides much of its resistance to compression.[1] Along with glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate has become a widely used dietary supplement for treatment of osteoarthritis.

Glucosamine (C6H13NO5) is an amino sugar and a prominent precursor in the biochemical synthesis of glycosylated proteins and lipids. Glucosamine is part of the structure of the polysaccharides chitosan and chitin, which compose the exoskeletons of crustaceans and other arthropods, cell walls in fungi and many higher organisms. Glucosamine is one of the most abundant monosaccharides.[1] It is produced commercially by the hydrolysis of crustacean exoskeletons or, less commonly by fermentation of a grain such as corn or wheat.[2] In the US it is one of the most common non-vitamin, non-mineral, dietary supplements used by adults.[3]

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organosulfur compound with the formula (CH3)2SO2. It is also known by several other names including DMSO2, methyl sulfone, and dimethyl sulfone.[1] This colorless solid features the sulfonyl functional group and is considered relatively inert chemically. It occurs naturally in some primitive plants and is present in small amounts in many foods and beverages and it is marketed as a dietary supplement.

[stomachmonkey]

No answer but it does look like you have reason to be suspicious.

FWIW, I used to take Chondroitin and Glucosamine and it was an improvement.

I then switched to a supplement that also contained MSM and it's a huge difference.

[VincentVega]

I took it for at least a few months. I ran out and didnt notice a difference over a week or so.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

No answer but it does look like you have reason to be suspicious.

FWIW, I used to take Chondroitin and Glucosamine and it was an improvement.

I then switched to a supplement that also contained MSM and it's a huge difference.

I'm also thinking of getting the combined C&G&MSM.

Wife is concerned that I take a fist full of supplements every day... but I'm seven years older and strong a a bull (well... a very old bull) and she have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning.

[968rz]

I've noticed that Fish oil helps and the F-I-L swears Flack seed oil is helping his. But our arthritis is minor compared to some so I'm sure that make a difference too.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

I'm also thinking of getting the combined C&G&MSM.

Wife is concerned that I take a fist full of supplements every day... but I'm seven years older and strong a a bull (well... a very old bull) and she have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning.

In addition to the knees I have a rotator cuff issue.

Before the CGMSM I could not get my right arm over my body any farther than the middle of my head.

These days my range of movement is the same on both sides and the crepitus in that shoulder is non existent.

[gatotom]

scottmandue, if your wife is sulfur sensitive, DON'T take anything with a sulfur base, she at the least will break out in hives or whatever her allergic reaction will be.

MSM, is methylsulfonylmethane, a derivative of DMSO, the organic chemists tweeked the chain and created MSM, a oderless, almost tastless compound. If you can handle sulfur , I look at it as a making your cartilage more slippier.

Another product that works for the joints is Hyaluronic Acid or HA, this stuff makes the lubricant between the cartilage more thicker thus giving more of a cushion. You can go to a Ortho doc and if the knees are not totally gone you can ask for Supartz or Sinvisc injections. They inject pure HA right into your knee joint, its the only encapsulated joint that will keep it in there for at least 6 months.If it works for you and your knees are trashed, after the injections you will be running marathons.

You can also take it oral but you have to take the stuff that has the right nano size so you can absorb it. There are many sources to get it out there but the one co. that really works is Pure Encapsulations, it is the right molecule size. You will be hard pressed to find it in a store, you will have to buy it from a licensed DC,ND, DO or if you can find a MD.

Since I have over 5000 days of skiing on my legs and knees and 4 surgeries later on the knees my knees are more or less gone. I have had the Sinvizc injections and they are awesome, I could run again but 6 months later back to hobbling around. I take 2 HA and 2 MSM daily and without it I would have 2 new knees, which I rather would not do and hold out for re-growing the cartilage with injections of growth hormone.

[LeeH]

Sounds like the answer is, "It depends."

From one doctors web site:
Q. I have an allergy to sulfa. Does this translate into a problem with MSM supplement use?
A. Sulfonamides are compounds than contain sulfur, along with nitrogen, and attached to a benzene ring. Many medications contain sulfur but are not sulfonamides. Some of these prescription drugs include amoxicillin, captopril, spironolactone, sulfates and sulfites. There is no risk of cross-reactivity between these sulfur containing substances and sulfonamides. It appears that this is also true for MSM, methyl sulfonyl methane. No allergies to it have been reported in the medical literature as of 2011.

See #8 on this link:
FAQ for msm supplements for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and symptoms

[Joeaksa]

I took it years ago and stopped as it seemed to do no good. Fast forward to six months ago and I found out that the Celebrex I was taking for neck/back issues was first very bad for your heart and second makes you gain weight, which I really do not need.

Stopped taking the meds and went back on Chondroitin and Glucosamine and so far its seems to work fine. Before stopping the Celebrex would have my neck locked up in two days and now its been months with no issue. YMMV but it sure seems to help me.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by Joeaksa

I took it years ago and stopped as it seemed to do no good. .....

Yeah that's the problem with that stuff.

It's such a gradual thing that you don't notice any difference but all the while you may be getting a tiny bit better day by day.

I can't remember one day just feeling better. I just remember how I used to feel and there is a difference.

I would say it took me at least 6 months before I was aware of any difference.

Adding the MSM was noticeable within a couple of months. It was the crepitus finally going away that I noticed most.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by 968rz

I've noticed that Fish oil helps and the F-I-L swears Flack seed oil is helping his. But our arthritis is minor compared to some so I'm sure that make a difference too.

As I said I take a handful of supplements... started fish and flax oil to keep my good cholesterol numbers up... but yes they are also said to be good for joints so they are part of my routine.

Knees are not blown out... I can do the stairs at work and ride my bike with little or no problems, just trying to stay ahead of the game. At 54 my shoulders are starting to act up too.

[livi]

Scott,

You say your wife is allergic to sulfur. In what form/context? Usually its in the form of antibiotics like sulfametoxazol.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by livi

Scott,

You say your wife is allergic to sulfur. In what form/context? Usually its in the form of antibiotics like sulfametoxazol.

I believe that to be true... do G&C and MSM fall into that category?

[livi]

Despite having allergy as one of my specialties, I can not say for sure but I am 99% certain it will not provoke the allergy. Actually, if it was one of my patients I would not hesitate to use it, although the different glucosamine drugs are rarely used on children and youngsters for other reasons.
One thing though. Most of these drugs are processed from shellfish so allergy to that is a contraindication.

[LeeH]

After having knee problems for several years (trouble running or hiking) my wife bought a giant bottle of Glucosamine from Costco. Knowing I was reluctant to take it, she opened the bottle so that it couldn't be returned. "Fine. I'll take it, but it's not going to work." Well, right as the bottle was getting low, I seemed to be improving a little. By the end of the second bottle I had to admit m knees were noticably better. Years later I run, bike and hike with no problem. I'm still a little shocked (but happy) that it appears to have worked.

[slow&rusty]

Ironic thread! I just started taking this stuff last week for a "complaining" right knee. I feel good at this time but getting some decent recent has also been good for mending me.

[Baz]

Hey I'm in the same boat as some of you - starting to feel some aches in the joints - nothing super serious - just a by-product of getting older, an active lifestyle, and much physical activity with my profession.

I haven't heard about the MSM supplement but will check it out as well as the Flax seed oil.

I can say the Glucosamine/Chondroitin seems to help.

Also, if you have not tried regular aspirin, maybe you should give it a try. I got onto the NSAID program and while it did help in certain situations, I forgot all about regular old aspirin.

I'd be interested in hearing if anyone else is of the same opinion and what their experiences have been with just plain old aspirin.

Thanks!
Baz

[Baz]

Got this from my Mom tonight - she bought it at Costco but decided she didn't need it. Has that MSM in it so I'm excited to give a try.....already took 2 earlier this evening.

[techweenie]

Mainstream medical science decided Glucosamine/Chondroitin did no good a couple years back... but lots of people get 'placebo effect' from various medicines, so it probably doesn't hurt to try.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by techweenie

Mainstream medical science decided Glucosamine/Chondroitin did no good a couple years back... but lots of people get 'placebo effect' from various medicines, so it probably doesn't hurt to try.

Starting about 2 months ago, I couldn't move my right thumb without pain at the base and a little below. Never had this problem before!

After I began taking G/C - it seemed to take away the pain.

Now I can move the thumb back and forth with no pain.

I dunno if it was the G/C or not but that's my experience using it, FWIW.