Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring, organic, sulphur-containing compound.
A precursor of MSM is formed initially by ocean plankton and released into the atmosphere, where it interacts with ozone and sunlight and returns to earth as MSM in rainfall. MSM can be taken up by plants and incorporated into their structure.
MSM is rich in the mineral sulphur, which has many roles in the body’s organs and systems. There are several sulphur containing supplements such as garlic, cysteine, methionine and Alpha Lipoic Acid, but MSM is the most concentrated source available.
What it does
- Detoxification: Sulphur is needed to manufacture glutathione peroxidase, an important detoxifying enzyme in the liver. Keeps cell walls flexible and permeable alllowing removal of toxins and absorption of nutrients.
- Connective Tissue Repair/Hair, Hails and Skin: Sulphur is necessary for the production of new cells playing an essential part in the synthesis of collagen and keratin, which are needed to make and maintain hair, nails and skin.
- Allergies: Protective to mucosal surfaces of the gut and may help to prevent food allergens from binding and harming the gut.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Sulphur is found in most body tissues and approximately half is concentrated in the muscles, skin and bones. When inflamed, the tissue cells swell and pain results from the rigidity of the cell walls, sulphur can restore flexibility and reduce the cause of the pain.
- Antioxidant: Sulphur is a free radical scavenger that helps to clean the blood stream and flush the toxins from cells.
- Anti-Parasitic: Shown to have anti-parasitic action against several invaders including roundworms, nematodes, Giardia and Trichomonas as well as Enterobius and other intestinal worms. This is thought to be due to MSM competing for receptor sites on the mucous membranes, so that parasites cannot attach themselves.
- Diabetes: Sulphur is a component of insulin and as such, insufficient levels could contribute to decreased insulin levels and blood sugar problems.
- Heavy Metal Removal: Sulphur is ablt to latch on to heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium assisting their removal from the body.
Potential Uses
| Antioxidant protection | Arthritis | Inflammation |
| Detox of heavy metals | Connective tissue support | Hair, skin, nail health |
| Cardiovascular health | Food allergies | Parasites |
Benefits of MSM
MSM has been shown to have a number of benefits, including:
- Reduce pain and inflammation: MSM has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation in people with conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and muscle pain.
- Improve joint health: MSM may help to improve joint health by reducing inflammation and pain.
- Promote skin health: MSM may help to improve skin health by reducing inflammation and promoting collagen production.
- Support hair growth: MSM may help to support hair growth by reducing inflammation and promoting collagen production.
- Boost the immune system: MSM may help to boost the immune system by reducing inflammation and promoting the production of white blood cells.
- Reduce allergies: MSM may help to reduce allergies by reducing inflammation and histamine production.
- Improve athletic performance: MSM may help to improve athletic performance by reducing pain and inflammation.
Consequences of Deficiency
A deficiency in MSM is not well-established. However, some studies have shown that people with low levels of MSM may be at an increased risk for some health problems, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Examples of Products Full of MSM
MSM is available as a dietary supplement. It can also be found in some foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and grains.
How to Use MSM
The recommended dosage of MSM varies depending on the individual and the condition being treated. It is best to talk to your doctor to determine the right dosage for you.
Where is MSM usually found?
MSM is naturally found in the body and in some foods, such as:
- Fruits: Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
- Vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage.
- Grains: Whole wheat bread, brown rice, and quinoa.
- Nuts and seeds: Almonds, peanuts, and flaxseeds.
- Eggs: Eggs are a good source of MSM.
- Meat: Beef, chicken, and fish are also good sources of MSM.
What foods are highest and lowest in MSM?
The highest sources of MSM are:
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Whole wheat bread
- Brown rice
- Quinoa
- Almonds
- Peanuts
The lowest sources of MSM are:
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Celery
- Lettuce
- Grapes
- Strawberries
- Apples
- Bananas
- Oranges
- Grapefruit
What does MSM do to your body?
MSM is involved in a number of important bodily functions, including:
- Producing collagen: MSM is a sulfur-containing compound that is needed for the production of collagen. Collagen is a protein that gives skin its strength and elasticity.
- Reducing inflammation: MSM has anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but it can also be chronic and contribute to a number of health problems.
- Boosting the immune system: MSM may help to boost the immune system by reducing inflammation and promoting the production of white blood cells.
- Reducing pain: MSM has analgesic properties. It may help to reduce pain caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Promoting hair growth: MSM may help to promote hair growth by reducing inflammation and promoting collagen production.
What is methylsulfonylmethane good for?
MSM has been shown to be beneficial for a number of conditions, including:
- Osteoarthritis: MSM may help to reduce pain and inflammation in people with osteoarthritis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: MSM may help to reduce pain and inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Muscle pain: MSM may help to reduce muscle pain.
- Skin health: MSM may help to improve skin health by reducing inflammation and promoting collagen production.
- Hair growth: MSM may help to promote hair growth by reducing inflammation and promoting collagen production.
- Allergies: MSM may help to reduce allergies by reducing inflammation and histamine production.
- Athletic performance: MSM may help to improve athletic performance by reducing pain and inflammation.
Is Methylsulfonylmethane good for your skin?
MSM may be beneficial for skin health. It has been shown to reduce inflammation and promote collagen production, both of which are important for healthy skin. MSM
Cautions
MSM may augment warfarin, so the two should not be taken together.
May cause mild digestive discomfort to anyone sensitive to sulphur.
