When it comes to nutrients that support joint comfort, CMO (Cetyl Myristoleate) stands in a league of its own.
Cetyl Myristoleate (CMO) is a fatty acid naturally occurring in some animals, including cows, whales, beavers, and mice. Nowadays, it’s gaining popularity as a dietary supplement for inflammatory response and joint comfort.*
A group of mice that were naturally resistant to developing joint health issues sparked attention to CMO’s potential role for joint support in 1972. The finding launched research on how to use this fatty acid ester for human health and inflammation, especially related to joint comfort.*
Since this discovery, studies have shown auspicious results in regulating inflammation and improving joint comfort with CMO.* Many functional and integrative medical doctors think systemic inflammation is a primary culprit of the vast majority of health challenges we face today. According to the CDC, 24% of women and over 18% of men suffer from joint stiffness or general discomfort.
There is some confusion around the mechanisms of CMO – and other fatty acids– and how it impacts joint comfort. The misconception is that they will help to lubricate the joints. In reality, fatty acids support the inflammation pathways that contribute to swelling in the joints, not lubrication.*
The cyclo-oxygenase pathway and Lipo-oxygenase pathways are well-known cascade reactions that contribute to inflammation in the body. CMO is theorized to be a 5-LOX pathway inhibitor and decrease the expression of prostaglandins and leukotrienes that trigger systemic inflammation.*[1]
Improved inflammatory response with CMO is what ultimately leads to improved range of motion in the joints and overall improved joint comfort.*
While translational and case studies show that system-wide inflammation can be improved with CMO, the focus and efficacy have been on joint health.*
Let’s take a moment to consider how to evaluate joint health to get a better understanding of what it entails and how CMO can help.* The health of joints takes into account the range of motion (ROM) and flexibility, joint comfort, strength, and stability. As mentioned earlier, almost 23% of all American adults suffer from regular joint discomfort, and even more from occasional stiffness that can interrupt daily life.
Primary sources of Cetyl Myristoleate include fish oil, beef tallow, and full-fat dairy (milk, butter, etc.). However, while dietary sources include trace amounts of CMO, functional doses must be obtained through supplementation.
As a dietary supplement, CMO typically comes in tablet or capsule form, topical cream, or as a powder. As with any supplement, it’s important to determine an appropriate dosage with your healthcare provider., Average amounts usually fall between between 250 mg and 1,500 mg daily.
Due to some reports of gastric response – which can happen with any fatty acid supplementation– it’s best to space out the dose throughout the day if taking higher amounts.
Cetyl Myristoleate has gained interest and excitement for its role in improving joint comfort and inflammatory response.* It is a fatty acid naturally occurring in specific animals, and while dietary sources for humans exist, the amount obtained from foods is quite small. So, supplementation is recommended for the best outcome.
More and more people are experiencing excellent results with CMO supplements. Along with a diet high in anti-inflammatory foods and physical activities that support joint health like tai chi, Qigong, and gentle yoga, CMO has proven very promising as part of a well-rounded plan to improve joint comfort.*
[1] Glitsch, M. D., Bakowski, D., & Parekh, A. B. (2002). Effects of inhibitors of the lipo-oxygenase family of enzymes on the store-operated calcium current I(CRAC) in rat basophilic leukaemia cells. The Journal of physiology, 539(Pt 1), 93–106. https://doi.org/10.1113/jphysiol.2001.012826