Large Animal Clinical Services

Dietary Joint Supplements

Joint supplements are a group of nutraceutical dietary supplements that are marketed to support, improve or restore joint health.

1. MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) MSM is a dietary supplement that has been available for horses for many years. MSM may have anti-inflammatory effects or alter immune responses. Another theory proposes that MSM may be a source of sulfur, which is essential for cartilage and joint health. Although the reason for its effect is unknown, MSM may be beneficial in managing inflammatory or immune-mediated problems, and it appears to be safe to use.

2. Glucosamine hydrochloride and glucosamine sulfate Glucosamine is a common component in many nutraceutical joint supplements. Glucosamine is thought to help in the production of cartilage, and it may have anti-inflammatory effects and prevent cartilage breakdown. Like MSM, glucosamine sulfate may act as a source of sulfur. Glucosamine appears to be safe in normal animals. The use of glucosamine is complicated by its poor absorption from the intestinal tract.

3. Chondroitin sulfate Chondroitin sulfate is another common ingredient in joint supplements. Like glucosamine, it is thought to be a building block for cartilage, counteract inflammation, and protect against cartilage degradation. The combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate is promoted to be more effective either component alone. Chondroitin sulfate appears to be very safe in normal animals. Chondroitin sulfate is not well absorbed, but levels of chondroitin sulfate appear to build up in the body over time. Therefore, one dose of chondroitin sulfate may not be effective, but multiple doses may reach effective levels. Similar to MSM and glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate may act as a sulfur supplement.

Many horse owners find these dietary joint supplements to help horses with joint injuries and degenerative joint disease. However, research studies in people and small animals have found the benefits to be moderate at best. In selecting a product, horse owners should avoid products not backed by scientific research, and they should avoid products with exaggerated label claims.

Joint supplement products are expensive, and it is important for horse owners to realize that there is a lot of variation between what the label claims and what the product actually contains. Quality of the product is not related to the cost.

In conclusion, the joint supplements discussed in this article are expected to be safe, but their effects are not likely to be as dramatic as what is claimed or advertised. Horse owners should research companies and products, looking for published standards and research. Because the true efficacy of these products is unclear, horse owners should not choose these nutraceutical joint supplements over other, more effective, joint therapies, such as joint injections or surgery.


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