Cetyl Myristoleate (CM) is a medium chained fatty acid, rare in nature, which seems to lubricate and restore joint function in arthritis.
It is well known that essential fatty acids (EFAs) can end arthritis pain and stiffness over a period of months to years. CM, which is related, does much the same thing, but more quickly. Interestingly, in some cases, a month's therapy is all that's needed.
A study in the medical journal Lipids reported a clinical trial with 431 arthritis patients with joint swelling and pain. 63% of those using CM alone and 88% of those using CM with glucosamine, sea cucumber, hydrolized cartilage, and CM salve, achieved significant improvement.
According to Dr. Douglas Hunt, it is "...98% effective against both osteo- and rheumatoid Arthritis...and 80-100% effective against chronic low back pain." He also says it is "an aphrodisiac, a euphoric and an energizer."
How does it work? CM acts a joint lubricant, thinning the synovial joint fluids, and normalizing the activities of prostaglandins and leukotrienes to reduce inflammation. It also stops the depletion of EFAs, a condition associated with chronic inflammation. The details of its mechanism of action remain uncertain.
Numerous maladies have had anecdotal benefits including chronic pain, back pain, sports injuries, emphysema, diabetes, psoriasis and eczema, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
CAUTIONSFrom 3% to 5% of users may experience 2 to 7 days of "breakthrough pain," anywhere from 3 or 4 days to several weeks after starting. This is a positive sign of healing. Foods known to interfere with the absorption of CM and should be avoided include carbonated beverages, citrus juices, sugar, alcohol and caffeine. Do not use if pregnant, lactating or experiencing liver problems.
DOSEThe recommended dose is 3 capsules daily on an empty stomach for 1 week, then take 2 weeks off, then 3 capsules daily for another week. Additional capsules may be taken as boosters if pain or swelling temporarily returns. CM works best if taken with glucosamine and MSM. Lipase, a pancreatic enzyme, helps the body absorb CM better. In studies, it was found to be more effective to use the capsules along with a topical lotion at the same time. It should be applied in a thin layer at the same time as the capsules.
BRANDSI recommend Jarrow's True CMO capsules.
For glucosamine and MSM, I like Doctor's Best Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM + Hyaluronic Acid caps (chondroitin and collagen (hyaluronic acid) are also helpful for joints). Lipase isn't generally available by itself. I generally prefer a broad enzyme mix by Now Foods, called Optimal Digestive System. For a narrower mix with Lipase, Jarrow has Jarro-Zymes Plus.