MSM ( Methylsulfonylmethane) is a supplement that you can use if you have problems with joints or joint pains.
Even in these cases, the substance remains rare as a standalone product, as it is often contained in complex formulas that we have chosen or that have been recommending to us.
This is all of the general knowledge of the so-called organic sulfur that most of us have. As a dietary supplement, however, this substance can be found everywhere around us and also inside our bodies, holding numerous positive properties.
MSM is an organic sulfur compound, which is more often distributed in the abbreviation MSM or by the name organic sulfur.
The most common benefits of MSM are associated with anti-inflammatory properties in joint pain and especially in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Some people claim that MSM improves the body’s condition after sports injuries - joints, tendons and muscles, and that it regulates inflammation in muscles, caused by physical stress.
Some sports experts recommend it for the prevention of cramps. MSM, in combination with hyaluronic acid and tea tree oil, improves hemorrhoids, when applied in the form of a cream.
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What Is MSM
MSM is an organic sulfur compound, which is more often distributed in the abbreviation MSM or by the name organic sulfur.
MSM is often confused with another similar agent - DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), which is also an organic sulfur compound, but differs with MSM and is a precursor thereof. MSM is a crystal powder substance that is colorless and odorless.
It is a solid substance, which withstands heat treatment, and it is therefore used as a solvent of organic and inorganic substances. MSM is easily soluble in water and acid environment, which is why it does not cause serious stomach problems and is easily absorbed in the body.
The organic sulfur is a great ligand. A ligand is an ion or molecule that binds to the metal atom to form a complex and the ligand usually gives one or more electrons connections.
MSM is closely related to DMSO. While MSM exists in crystalline form, DMSO exists in a liquid form at normal conditions. DMSO is a far more reactive substance because it is in a higher oxidation state.
It was found that when DMSO is taken orally or applied to the skin, 15% of it is metabolized into MSM. MSM is hardly absorbed through the skin, so DMSO is recommended for the local treatment of inflammations.
On the other hand, MSM is a natural substance, while DMSO is not. MSM does not have the side effects of DMSO, such as bad breath and unpleasant sweat smell.
MSM is absorbed better orally. It is believed that the natural profile of MSM makes it a safe and effective substance of DMSO.
Sources of MSM:
MSM is an organic substance that is found in most foods in nature. In animal feed, sulfur is normally contained in collagen and keratin. The richest sources of sulfur are foods rich in collagen.
A good source of MSM is a soup from bones and cartilage. MSM is present also in milk, milk is the richest source of sulfur at all. It is interesting to note that wine, coffee, and beer also contain a substantial amount of sulfur.
MSM is contained in almost all vegetables. The negative feature of organic sulfur is that it turns into gas extremely easy. Therefore, the concentration of MSM drops dramatically (up to 50%) when heat treatment or pasteurization of food is applied.
Sulfur gets damaged also from unnatural electromagnetic fields. It has been found that vegetarians are deficient in sulfurous substances in their bodies. The reason is that the foods that are rich in animal proteins are the richest sources of sulfur.
How Does MSM Work
Sulfur is a building block for a number of substances in the human body and supplementation of sulfur substances may enhance the metabolism of these substances.
Sulfur is one of the fundamental blocks of collagen and keratin. It builds another 150 other organic substances, among which the most important proteins. MSM concentrations are highest in the liver and soft tissues.
A study has shown that the greater the intake of MSM, as less sulfur is removed from the body. According to scientists’ intake, MSM influences positively the metabolism of all sulfur compounds and, therefore, the body uses it more efficiently over time.
MSM is a powerful precursor of glutathione, which is an antioxidant. MSM improves the function of glutathione and the body regulates the ratio between reduced and oxidized glutathione.
Several studies have monitored the metabolism of MSM in the body through the use of NMR. It has been found that MSM is absorbed in the blood and crosses the blood-brain barrier when taken orally.
Large concentrations of MSM are found in the blood and spinal fluid, which means that the body can only synthesize it, most likely by bacteria in the intestinal tract.
Potential and Proven Benefits in People:
- The most common benefits of MSM are associated with anti-inflammatory properties in joint pain and especially in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Even with respect to these properties, the results of the studies are conflicting. In humans, it is used with daily doses of 6 grams/ per day for 12 weeks. Intake of organic sulfur dramatically decreases pain and improves movement. Despite these positive results, it has been found that inflammatory markers were not affected. In another study, which used both 1500 mg MSM in combination with glucosamine, the results have shown a dramatic improvement of patients in knee osteoarthritis;
- DMSO is approved in the US for injection into the bladder for the treatment of cystitis. Although not proven, it is believed that the positive effect of DMSO may be due to metabolic thereof methylsulfonylmethane;
- It is assumed that MSM can have potential anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulating properties, but there is not found evidence for this so far. A small study has found that MSM has no effect on the C-reactive protein and immunoglobulin but improves upon seasonal allergies;
- Potential benefits reduction in rhinitis in the form of nasal spray;
- The combination of MSM and extracts of milk thistle, in the form of cream, improves Rosacea and skin inflammation;
- Potential benefits associated with the stimulation of growth and strength of hair and nails;
- Some people claim that MSM improves the body’s condition after sports injuries - joints, tendons and muscles, and that it regulates inflammation in muscles, caused by physical stress. Some sports experts recommend it for the prevention of cramps. So far, research findings are not sufficiently serious and there is no clear evidence of these properties;
- MSM, in combination with hyaluronic acid and tea tree oil, improves hemorrhoids, when applied in the form of a cream;
- Potential benefits in the treatment of tendinitis and shoulder rotators after-surgery recovery;
- MSM is used in formulations for the treatment of ocular diseases. MSM is not directly involved in the process and serves as an effective transporter of active substances because of its valuable chelating properties.
Side Effects:
MSM is considered to be a safe substance even in high doses. Its toxicity is low and dangerous doses start from 2 g/kg body weight. That means that for an 80-kilogram man the daily intake is 160 grams.
Some research suggests that the intake of 8 g/kg body weight is also safe, but intake of 17.5 g/ kg body weight is lethal. The short-time intake has shown no side effects. Potential side effects of long-term intake cannot be concluded because of the lack of quality research.
It is possible that high doses of MSM can cause some unpleasant effects in some people. These include nausea, diarrhea, headache, bloating and gasses.
The safe dose for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, children, and patients with liver and kidney problems is still not established yet.
It is therefore recommended to avoid use. Although the blood-brain barrier, high doses do not affect the brain in any way and do not lead to neurotoxicity.
Recommended Doses:
The daily recommended dosage varies between 1500 and 10000 mg per day as the recommended intake is divided into 2-3 times, in order to avoid irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.
Admission is not bound to food or an empty stomach. It is recommended to drink more liquids before taking MSM in order to improve the solubility in the stomach.
How to Combine MSM
MSM is most commonly used as a dietary supplement for the treatment of joint inflammation, so you will encounter it primarily in combinations with other substances.
If the purpose is restoring cartilage or improving joint mobility, it is a combination of MSM with glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, and collagen is appropriate.
If the problems are associated with strong inflammation, then it is advisable MSM to be combined with a natural anti-inflammatory such as Boswellia, bromelain, and curcumin.
MSM can be used as a means to maintain skin and hair. In these cases, it is successfully combined with hyaluronic acid, collagen, proline, vitamin C, and zinc.
MSM is a powerful precursor of glutathione and may be combined with other precursors such as selenium. It is not known whether MSM interacts negatively with other substances and food supplements.
Where Can We Find Organic Sulfur
MSM is sold solely as a food additive, most often in health food supplements and organic foods. More often MSM can be found in products for joints and cartilage, often combined with hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
Such formulas are Universal Animal Flex, Primaforce Elastamine, and NOW Foods Glucosamine, Chondroitin & MSM. Some manufacturers offer MSM as a standalone product, usually in capsules at a concentration of 1000 mg in one capsule/tablet.
A more economical option is the powder package but it occurs less frequently on the market. Generally, MSM is a relatively inexpensive and accessible dietary supplement.
We can conclude that MSM is everywhere - in the food around us, even in the multiple components in our bodies. Sulfur is an important part of the enzymatic processes in the entire human body.
Although there have been no detailed observations of sulfur deficiency in the body, the way of processing of modern food can indicate that much of it is lost. Sulfur is a good example of how people can be deprived of the most abundant substances around them.
Therefore, the addition of MSM to each supplement plan will only benefit the body. Simultaneous intake of chitosan and chondroitin sulfate can interfere with the absorption of the latter.
