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MSM Nutritional Supplement - Methylsulfonylmethane
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MSM nutritional supplement (methylsulfonylmethane) is a
naturally-occurring, organic sulfur compound used by the body.
Although research is not conclusive, it is believed to be
manufactured in the body from another precursor, although MSM can also be
found in trace amounts in fruits, vegetables, grains and milk and
in larger quantities in coffee and tea. It functions as an easily
assimilated dietary ingredient and a source of sulfur, an
essential building block for blood proteins, amino acids, collagen
and connective tissues, joints, muscles, liver, hair and skin. Unfortunately, it is a
volatile substance and is easily destroyed with cooking or
storing, a fact that gives greater reason to its use as a
supplement. |
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MSM is not a
sulfa, Sulfite or Sulfate and won't cause sulfa-type reactions.
Research has shown that its physiologic function is as a transport
molecule for sulfur atoms, a substance which is the third most
prevalent compound in the body and vital to a variety of
biochemical activities throughout the body, including an important
role in the building of cartilage, tendons and ligaments.
Studies have shown
a correlation between low levels of MSM and general decline of
normal psychological and physiological functions. There seems to
also be an indication that its healthful presence diminishes with
age.
Key Uses
- Arthritis, osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Relief of Pain associated with
fibromyalgia, carpel tunnel syndrome and aggravated muscle and
ligament sprains
- Relief of heartburn and
acidity
- Relief from environment, food
and drug allergies
- Preliminary research indicates
it may be a preventative agent for certain kinds of tumors.
MSM Clinical
Applications
Pain relief: MSM inhibits pain impulses traveling
along nerve fibers and reduces the symptoms associated with
inflammation.
Source of Sulfur: Because MSM is a carrier for
sulfur, a substance that is used in so many different compounds
throughout the body, its presence directly effects many physiologic
functions. Ideally, MSM should provide a continual
supply to those cellular processes which require sulfur.
The very
small MSM molecules can pass easily through the skin and most
tissues, enabling them to bind and escort sulfur atoms to their
appropriate functional sites. Because of the many proteins,
catalysts and enzymes which require a sulfur component in order
to perform their specific roles, a continual supply insures the
'normalizing' of these physiologic activities.
Vaso-dilator: MSM is a vaso-dilator,
stimulating blood vessels to expand in order to increase blood flow.
How It Works
For the relief of inflammation and
pain, MSM increases the permeability of cell walls which allows
water and nutrients to flow into cells and allows wastes and
toxins to flow out. The lack of MSM can contribute to the body's
inability to recover and restore health to cells, resulting in
scarring, wrinkles, varicose veins, brittle hair and dry skin,
muscle and joint pain, to name a few.
As a vaso-dilator, MSM promotes
increased blood flow which supplies increased nutrients to cells.
By providing the elemental sulfur to those tissues which require
it, MSM normalizes cellular function. It is required for the
proper assimilation of the sulfur-dependant amino acids,
methionine and cysteine, as well as the peptide hormone, insulin
and numerous other proteins, catalysts, and enzymes which include
sulfur in their molecular framework.
Safety
At prescribed dosages, MSM is
considered safe. Long-term toxicity animal trials resulted in a
determination of no toxic effects at dosages of 8 grams per
kilogram of body weight.
Precautions: None
Recommended Amounts:
Because herbs also contain active
chemical substances which can and will interact with others, no herb
or drug should be taken without first consulting with one's
physician. Most people take from 2 to 8 grams total as a daily
supplement.
MSM Research:
1) Jacob SW, Appleton J. MSM: The
Definitive Guide. A Comprehensive Review of the Science and
Therapeutics of Methylsulfonylmethane. Topanga, CA: Freedom Press;
2003:107-121.
2) Usha PR, Naidu MUR, Randomized,
double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled study of oral glucosamine,
methylsulfonylmethane and their combination in osteoarthritis. Clin
Drug Invest. 2004;24:353-363
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