MSM – Methylsulfonylmethane is a type of sulfur compound that naturally occurs in the body. MSM is chemically similar to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) – MSM is an active therapeutic component of DMSO and is also an oxidative metabolite of DMSO. It is odorless, tasteless, and stable. Its physical form is a white crystalline powder. Elemental sulfur makes up 34% of the MSM molecule.
MSM is a component of raw fruits, vegetables, seafood, meat, and dairy. MSM is highly susceptible to loss and degradation during food processing. Most people do not consume enough MSM from food.
The minimum effective dose of supplemental oral MSM is 750 – 1,500 mg per day.
The optimal dose of supplemental MSM is currently considered to be 2,000 – 6,000 mg per day.
The usual therapeutic dose of supplemental MSM for pain relief is 2,250 mg per day.
After taking MSM, it reaches almost all tissues in the body within 24 hours of oral ingestion.
Most of the unused or metabolized MSM is excreted from the body within 96 hours of ingestion.
MSM is primarily excreted from the body through urine. Smaller amounts are excreted through saliva, exhaled air, and sweat.
MSM is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier. The barrier between the blood and the brain.
1. The Aging Process
It appears that the content of MSM in the body decreases with the progression of the aging process.
MSM may improve the connection of endogenous proteins in the body, such as collagen, which is a major aspect of the aging process, and may facilitate collagen formation.
2. Digestive System
MSM (500 – 2,000 mg per day) may prevent and treat constipation (especially constipation in older individuals).
MSM (3,000 mg per day) may relieve heartburn.
MSM (3,000 – 10,000 mg per day) may prevent intestinal parasites from adhering to the gastrointestinal tract, thus facilitating the expulsion of intestinal parasites from the body and may be an effective treatment for roundworms (helminths).
It is claimed that MSM prevents and treats leaky gut (it is said that MSM covers the mucous membranes of the intestines and prevents antigens from entering the bloodstream through the intestinal wall).
3. Immune System
MSM (3,000 – 6,000 mg per day) may help prevent and alleviate allergies (including long-term food allergies and respiratory system allergies).
MSM may help prevent and treat lupus erythematosus (a form of SLE). MSM (taken orally) may destroy certain types of harmful fungi (molds), and MSM may destroy many types of harmful fungi (molds) found on the skin.
4. Metabolism
MSM may alleviate diabetes mellitus (by facilitating insulin production and reducing insulin resistance).
MSM may reduce insulin resistance (increasing cell permeability, which may cause them to better respond to the effects of insulin).
MSM (4,000 mg per day) may reduce the toxic buildup of lactic acid after exercise and may accelerate recovery from exercise.
5. Musculoskeletal System
MSM (taken orally or applied as a topical lotion) may reduce inflammation and pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
MSM may improve cartilage health.
MSM may alleviate joint pain and inflammation associated with gout (but may require several weeks of daily supplementation for its beneficial effects to show).
MSM may improve joint function and alleviate joint pain.
MSM may reduce lactic acid buildup after exercise.
MSM (especially in combination with supplemental vitamin C) may relieve muscle cramps.
MSM may alleviate muscle pain.
MSM (2,250 mg per day) may alleviate osteoarthritis (by improving the integrity of cartilage and joints).
MSM may relieve pain and inflammation associated with rheumatism.
MSM may relieve pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis and may stop further cartilage degeneration in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
MSM (taken orally and/or applied topically as a lotion) may relieve pain and inflammation associated with tennis elbow.
6. Nervous System
MSM (3,000 – 9,000 mg per day) may increase alertness, improve concentration, and may alleviate anxiety.
7. Skin/Hair/Nails
MSM (taken orally or applied topically as a lotion) may alleviate acne.
MSM (topically applied lotion) may alleviate dry skin.
MSM (taken orally) may promote hair growth, and therefore may be useful for individuals suffering from hair loss.
MSM (taken orally) may improve nail growth and quality.
MSM may accelerate wound healing.
