Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM: A Complementary Approach to Managing OA and RA

Joint disorders, including osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), are increasingly prevalent and pose a significant public health burden, particularly among older adults and populations in regions with higher socio-demographic indices. Lifestyle factors such as sedentary behaviour, smoking, and environmental exposures further contribute to disease onset and progression, underscoring the need for multimodal therapeutic strategies. This phase I pilot study assessed the safety and preliminary efficacy of a nutraceutical combination of glucosamine sulphate (GS), chondroitin sulphate (CS), and Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM) in individuals with OA, RA, and related musculoskeletal pain syndromes. The formulation is hypothesized to support joint health by modulating inflammation, reducing oxidative stress, and maintaining cartilage and extracellular matrix integrity. Participants showed improvements in waist pain, backache, and sciatic pain, with 60% reporting significant relief. Older adults (56–70 years) exhibited slightly stronger response trends. The combination was well tolerated, with minimal adverse effects, suggesting its potential as a complementary intervention for joint health.