Montvale, New Jersey, (05 December, 2023) –
Results of a new clinical study1 conducted in Japan revealed that OptiMSM®, an industry-leading brand of Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) from Balchem Human Nutrition & Health, has shown improvement in overall joint health and comfort relative to placebo, even when used at a low dose of 2 grams per day. 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 randomized, 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 2g 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 system2 showed significant reductions in morning pain, nocturnal pain, pain while standing, and overall health condition in the MSM group compared to the placebo group. Nocturnal pain and pain while standing were also reduced after 8 weeks of MSM consumption.
OptiMSM® is a source of sulfur, a key component of the building blocks of joints and connective tissue, which rely on sulfur for proper structure and function. Several pre-clinical 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,3 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.4,5,6,7
“We are particularly excited about this study as it was the first carried out on healthy adults, and to highlight OptiMSM®’s potential to be effective at just two grams per day. We are fully committed to leading the way with industry-leading clinical studies, and this trial provides us with the confirmation that all the benefits reported from clinical and pre-clinical studies on patients with ostheoarthritis could be applied to healthy adults, changing the landscape of joint health formulations.”
Eric Ciappio, PhD, RD, Strategic Development Manager and nutrition scientist for Balchem Human Nutrition and Health
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.
“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. In addition, according to the World Health Organization by the end of the decade one in six people worldwide will be over 608, which presents the opportunity to prioritize staying active. High-quality, innovative ingredients like OptiMSM® will play a pivotal role in joint health segment growth.”
Lauren Eisen, Strategic Marketing and BD Manager, Balchem Human Nutrition and Health
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