Methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM for short: What sounds chemical and unnatural at first glance is in fact a naturally occurring sulfur compound found in onions, sauerkraut, tomatoes, and other foods. But what happens to it in the body? Learn everything you need to know about the effects of MSM here.
Table of Contents
MSM: What is it anyway?
MSM is the abbreviation for Methylsulfonylmethane and is sometimes also called dimethyl sulfone. MSM is an organic sulfur compound, meaning it occurs in living organisms and serves as a sulfur source for us. MSM is thus also a natural component in foods. Tomatoes, onions, milk, coffee, and more are good food sources. When isolated, MSM is a white, odorless powder that dissolves well in water.
Researchers are continually discovering more positive effects of MSM. However, from a medical perspective, the results have not yet been confirmed, so MSM is not a cure. Currently, it may only be used as a dietary supplement or in cosmetic products. Therefore, you can buy MSM in the form of powder, capsules, tablets, or creams. We have combined MSM powder with valuable plant extracts such as horsetail and frankincense in our ANTIFLAMM capsules.
What does sulfur do in the body?
Which minerals do you know? Surely, substances like iron, magnesium, calcium, or iodine come to mind. But most people rarely think of sulfur. This mineral is often forgotten, yet it is the third most abundant macronutrient in humans. According to the German Nutrition Society (DGE), we consume enough sulfur through a normal diet, as some amino acids contain sulfur. Therefore, this mineral is not further addressed by the professional society. There is consequently no daily recommendation. However, in the same breath, they also mention that sulfur is a component of several vital compounds in the body. These include insulin and keratin, among others.
But sulfur has even more functions:
- Component of bones, joints, tendons, muscles, skin, hair, and nails
- Required for the formation of chondroitin sulfate. Chondroitin sulfate is an important component in cartilage
- Essential for the detoxification of the body. For example, breakdown products of alcohol are bound to sulfur and excreted in the urine
- Involved in energy production, as it is a component of coenzyme A
- Indispensable for the formation of insulin, and therefore also involved in sugar metabolism
Sulfur is thus a central building block in the human body and is involved in a multitude of processes. Similar to other minerals, its effect on health should not be underestimated.
What are the benefits of MSM capsules?
MSM is likely the most bioavailable sulfur for humans. That is, we can easily absorb and process the mineral from this natural compound. Capsules are easy to use and, unlike powder, allow for a standardized daily intake of MSM. CLAV's capsules are enclosed in a plant-based shell and are therefore also suitable for a vegan diet.
Why take MSM capsules?
Why might it be useful to take additional sulfur if there is no sulfur deficiency? The answer: In certain situations, a greater need is suspected. This can be the case, for example, with frequent exercise or illnesses. Scientific studies suggest the following positive effects of sulfur or MSM:
- MSM has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and bone metabolism-stimulating effects outside the body (cell studies)
- Reduction of oxidative stress during physical exertion (human study)
- Improvement of joint complaints in osteoarthritis (animal study + small human studies, which have limited significance due to the small number of participants)
- Extended lifespan in autoimmune diseases (animal study)
- Relief of inflammatory skin conditions (animal study)
- Positive influence on sugar and fat metabolism (animal study)
Results from cell and animal studies cannot be directly applied to humans. Therefore, the findings on MSM's effects are not yet sufficient to approve methylsulfonylmethane as a medication.
What should you consider when taking MSM?
As with all dietary supplements, you should not exceed the recommended amount of MSM capsules specified by the provider. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers a dosage of up to 4.8 grams per day to be safe.
Nevertheless, side effects are possible even with natural substances. When taking MSM, allergic reactions, gastrointestinal problems, and skin irritations may occur. If you notice these side effects, you should discontinue use and seek medical advice if necessary. For people suffering from ulcerative colitis, a low-sulfur diet is recommended. Therefore, MSM should be avoided as a precautionary measure in this disease and other bowel inflammations.
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Also note that MSM is not a miracle cure for osteoarthritis, pain, or autoimmune diseases. Although there are initial studies on the effects of MSM, the findings are not medically recognized. This does not necessarily mean that MSM has no positive effects, but merely that there is insufficient data to date. You can therefore use MSM in conjunction with your doctor's approval as a complementary therapy. A combination with other natural plant substances that relieve pain or inflammation is also advisable.
MSM Effect: At a Glance
- MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is an organic sulfur compound and a good source of sulfur
- Organic sulfur is usually sufficiently present in the diet. The mineral contributes to several bodily functions
- MSM as a dietary supplement can be useful under certain circumstances. It is assumed that the need for sulfur increases in some diseases and during physical exertion
- The current study data on MSM products suggests benefits for osteoarthritis, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory processes, pain, and for sugar and fat metabolism. However, the existing studies are not sufficient to equate MSM with medication
- When using MSM powder, capsules, and tablets, pay attention to the respective dosage. An intake of 4.8 grams per day is generally well tolerated. Even though MSM is a natural substance, it can cause side effects. People with inflammatory gastrointestinal problems are advised to refrain from MSM products as a precautionary measure
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