There are only a few studies on CM, and by now you know that I prefer to talk about substances that have been subjected to rigorous testing. However, one of the brightest doctors in the country, one I respect tremendously, Sherry Rogers, MD, has had remarkable success using CM with her patients. And the few studies that have been done show a significant decrease in arthritis symptoms and protection against getting arthritis.

In one study, researchers gave 64 patients with knee pain either CM or a placebo for two months. Only CM improved their range of motion and overall function.

At present, there is a number of CM products available, but no product standardization. Of all the brands available, I’d personally use CM-Plus, a product available from Longevity Science, Inc. (800-933-9440). This is the brand that Dr. Rogers used successfully with her patients. I have known the head of this company, George Klabin, for years. His supplements are of excellent quality. His CM is also less expensive than many other brands. CM-Plus usually costs around $40 for a month’s supply, but if you call and mention my name, George will send it to you for $34.95. By the way, I have no financial interest in this product.

EHP Products, a company owned by Harry Diehl’s family, makes a CM product called Myristin. A month’s supply will run you $55-$60/month. Contact his company by calling 888-347-0100 (toll free). This company considers Myristin to be the gold standard of CM products, but a less expensive brand may work just as well for you. In fact, you may want to try one formula for a few months and then try another if you don’t get the results you’re looking for. CM works in about half of all cases of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.

CM is often combined with glucosamine sulfate and other anti-inflammatory products, so feel free to add it to your other nutrients like essential fatty acids and Women’s Preferred Joint Formula (800-728-2288). It’s likely to give you additional benefits when you take it with co-factors.

Before using CM, eliminate all nightshades in your diet. Since CM works only in half of the people who try it, you want to give it the best opportunity to work for you.

Beyond this article
The subject of pain is complex, but Sherry Rogers, MD, has made it simple to understand. In her book, Pain Free in 6 Weeks (Sand Key Company, Inc., 800-846-6687), she explains in great detail how you can eliminate all kinds of pain from arthritis to fibromyalgia, back pain, headaches, etc.

Twenty years ago, when I was talking about the dangers of taking too much calcium, Dr. Rogers was talking about the importance of increasing magnesium and not over-doing calcium. In fact, at that time, we were among a handful of health professionals who dared to confront the calcium promoters and make a strong case for boosting magnesium intake. Now, the importance of adequate magnesium is well accepted.

Dr. Rogers is among the sanest, most knowledgeable doctors of integrative medicine in the country. Each of her books is a treasure of information. If you want more information on inflammation, your next step is to read some of her books and methodically work her programs.

Hesslink, R., Jr., et al. “Cetylated fatty acids improve knee function in patients with osteoarthritis,” J Rheumatol, 2002 August;29(8):1708-12.

Hunter, K.W., et al. “Synthesis of cetyl myristoleate and evaluation of its therapeutic efficacy in a murine model of collagen-induced arthritis,” Pharmacology Research, 2003 January;47(1):43-7.