MSM Benefits (Methylsulfonylmethane) » The Nutraceutical Database

Methylsulfonylmethane Molecular Structure

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring organic Sulfur compound found in the body. MSM’s structure is chemically similar to Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) and is claimed to be safer than DMSO. In its natural state MSM is a stable odorless and tasteless white crystalline powder. The body’s content of MSM appears to decline in tandem with the aging process. MSM is part of the Global Sulfur Cycle which distributes bioavailable Sulfur for all animal and plant life. The Sulfur Cycle begins with the weathering of rocks putting inorganic Sulfur into contact with air where it is converted into Sulfate (SO4). Sulfate is then taken up by plants and microorganisms where it is converted to organic forms. Animals then eat the plants moving the Sulfur through the food chain. When animal die, the Sulfur is then released back into the soil and the process repeats. Approximately 85% of all Sulfur for life is derived from this pathway. MSM is capable of crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier and thus benefits Brain health and the Nervous System.

The Sulfur Cycle

In perusing the various literature on Methylsulfonylmethane I noticed that it wasn’t until 2017 that The National Institute of Health began to realize its virtues. “Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) has become a popular dietary supplement used for a variety of purposes, including its most common use as an anti-inflammatory agent. It has been well-investigated in animal models, as well as in human clinical trials and experiments. A variety of health-specific outcome measures are improved with MSM supplementation, including inflammation, joint/muscle pain, oxidative stress, and antioxidant capacity.” …. “MSM is a naturally occurring organosulfur compound with broad biological effects. Human absorption and biosynthesis of this compound likely depends heavily on the co-metabolism between microbiota and host. Whether naturally produced or manufactured, MSM exhibits no biochemical differences in its ability to intermediate oxidative stress and inflammation. This micronutrient is well tolerated for arthritis and a number of other conditions related to inflammation, physical function, and performance. Emerging research suggests that MSM may one day aid in the treatment of various types of cancer or metabolic syndromes.”

The Health Benefits of MSM:

AGING PROCESS

• Inhibits the Cross-Linking of endogenous proteins such as Collagen.

CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM

• May improve Blood circulation.

DETOXIFICATION

• When consumed with Alcohol, it is claimed to reduce the severity of Hangovers.
• Helps facilitate the removal of Toxic Heavy Metals from the body.

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

• 2,000mg per day may alleviate Constipation.
• 3,000mg per day may alleviate Heartburn.
• 3,000 – 10,000mg per day helps prevent Intestinal Parasites from adhering to the Gastrointestinal Tract aiding in their expulsion.
• Prevents and treats Intestinal Permeability.

HEARING, VISION & ORAL HEALTH

• Anecdotal evidence suggests that when applied topically as ear drops may alleviate Hearing Loss and Tinnitus.
• Used in solution as a mouthwash, it may alleviate Halitosis and Gingivitis.
• As a solution and applied as eye drops relieves Bloodshot Eyes.
• The Intraocular pressure in Glaucoma patients may be alleviated by Methylsulfonylmethane eye drops.

EXCRETORY SYSTEM

• May be an effective treatment for Interstitial Cystitis.

IMMUNE SYSTEM

• 6,000mg per day may alleviate Allergies, both Food and Respiratory Allergies.
• May play a role in the prevention of Autoimmune Diseases.
• May prevent/treat Lupus Erythematosus.
• MSM has been shown to be Cytotoxic to the following Cancers and may aid in their treatment:

▪ Bladder
▪ Breast
▪ Colon
▪ Esophageal
▪ Liver
▪ Skin
▪ Stomach

• By protecting the integrity of the Nasal Mucosa, may prevent the Common Cold.
• Taken orally, it may inhibit some types of detrimental Fungi. Applied topically as a lotion, may treat Fungal Infections of the Skin.
• Reduces Inflammation.
• May prevent Influenza.

METABOLISM

• May aid in the endogenous production of Insulin and may also decrease Insulin Resistance by increasing Cell Permeability.
• 4,000mg per day may reduce the accumulation of Lactic Acid resulting from intense Exercise.
• Facilitates recovery from Exercise.
• Can alleviate Fatigue.

MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM

• Consumed orally or applied topically may alleviate pain associated with:

▪ Backache
▪ Bursitis
▪ Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
▪ Epicondylitis
▪ Fractures
▪ Fibromyalgia
▪ Gout
▪ Muscle Strain
▪ Osteoarthritis
▪ Rheumatism
▪ Rheumatoid Arthritis
▪ Sprains
▪ Tendonitis
▪ Tennis Elbow

• Cartilage health is improved by supplementation due to enhancing to its Sulfur content.
• Improves Mucous Membrane integrity.

NERVOUS SYSTEM

• 3,000 – 9,000mg per day may improve:

▪ Alertness
▪ Anxiety
▪ Concentration
▪ Mood
▪ Mood Disorders
▪ Symptoms of Stress

• May relieve Nausea.

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

• Can alleviate Asthma caused by Allergies.
• May improve symptoms of Emphysema.

SEXUAL SYSTEM

• Taken orally or applied topically may treat Peyronie’s Disease.
• May alleviate headaches associated with Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS).

SKIN, HAIR & NAILS

• Applied topically can help treat:

▪ Acne
▪ Dry Skin
▪ Insect Bites/Stings
▪ Itching
▪ Psoriasis
▪ Rashes
▪ Rosacea
▪ Scarring
▪ Scleroderma
▪ Shingles
▪ Sunburn
▪ Wounds
▪ Wrinkles

• Enhances the production of Collagen.
• The condition of Hair is improved by oral consumption or when used in a shampoo.
• The strength of fingernails is improved by oral consumption.

USAGE

Methylsulfonylmethane is virtually non-toxic and no human studies have demonstrated any toxicity even at high dosages. Dosages of 30 grams per day have been used by humans on a daily basis with no adverse effects. There are no known contraindications for MSM use and no allergic reactions have been observed. The half-life of MSM is approximately 38 hours and Methylsulfonylmethane penetrates and benefits all tissues of the body within 24 hours of ingestion.

The minimum effective dosage for MSM is between 750 – 1,500mg per day. Optimal dosage of MSM is somewhere between 2,000 – 6,000mg per day with higher doses being used for specific conditions. The effectiveness of MSM is greatly increased by combining with Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C). A good Ascorbic Acid:MSM ratio is 1,000mg Ascorbic Acid for every 2,000 – 3,000mg of MSM. MSM is best taken with meals.