discover msm

This versatile supplement is best known for easing joint and muscle pain, but it can also help alleviate allergies, rosacea, and more By Jack Challem

THE BASICS: MSM supplements provide a rich source of organic sulfur, a mineral needed to make some vitamins (e.g., B1 and biotin), antioxidants (e.g., glutathione, N-acetylcysteine, and alpha-lipoic acid), amino acids (e.g., methionine, cysteine, and taurine), hormones (e.g., insulin), and many other important substances.

ALIAS: MSM stands for methylsulfonylmethane (meth-ill-sul-fun-ill-methain). It may also be referred to as methyl sulfone, and DMS02. Chemically, it is a metabolic product of dimethyl sulfoxide, which is more commonly known as DMSO.

HOW MSM WORKS: MSM may work through two mechanisms: One, it contributes sulfur to numerous compounds and biochemical processes, some of which are involved in the production of collagen, skin, and nails. Indeed, MSM is 34 percent sulfur. Two, each MSM molecule also contains two chemical "methyl groups," which are chemical compounds consisting of one carbon and three hydrogen atoms. Methyl groups help regulate gene activity, and they are also needed in the utilization of B vitamins, neurotransmitters, and other substances.

HEALTH BENEFITS: MSM is best known for easing muscle and joint pain, but it can benefit many other types of health problems.

* Muscle and Joint Pain. Many people have found that MSM can reduce both muscle and arthritic joint pain. This use of MSM was originally based on the topical use of DMSO to relieve muscle pain in both people and horses. It is likely beneficial in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis, and gout. In one study, researchers found that taking 3 g of MSM daily for 12 weeks led to reductions in osteoarthritic knee pain. Another study found that taking 1,500 mg of MSM in combination with glucosamine sulfate was especially helpful in reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis.

* Rosacea. Rosacea is a skin condition characterized by facial redness, flushing, tiny but visible red blood vessels (often where the nose meets the cheek), small raised bumps, and itching. Italian researchers recently combined MSM with Silymarin, the antioxidant extract of milk thisde, in a topical lotion for the treatment of rosacea. Forty-six patients received either the lotion or a placebo daily for one month. Patients using the MSM/ Silymarin lotion benefited from less redness and itching and fewer papules.

* Allergies. MSM may relieve symptoms of seasonal pollen allergies. Fifty patients with allergic rhinitis were given 2,600 mg of MSM daily for 30 days. After one week, patients had significant improvements in upper respiratory symptoms. After another two weeks, they also had improvements in lower respiratory symptoms. In addition, subjects had increased energy levels.

* Interstitial Cystitis. This condi- tion, which affects an estimated 700,000 women in the United States, is a type of painful bladder inflammation, but it is not caused by infection. Interstitial cystitis is the only medical condition for which the Food and Drug Administra- tion has approved DMSO as a treatment. However, a study by Stacy J. Childs, MD, of the University of Alabama, Tusca- loosa, found that MSM was also of benefit in patients.

* Scleroderma. Also known as systemic sclerosis, this condition typically begins as a swelling and thickening of the fingertips, but evolves into a chronic disease with scarring of the skin, joints, and internal organs. In many people, scarring of the esophagus leads to difficulty in swallowing and chronic heartburn. MSM appears to normalize cartilage formation and may reduce symptoms of scleroderma, although no clinical research has been done with MSM for this condition.

BACKGROUND CHECK: It helps to understand MSM in the context of DMSO, which is almost identical chemically. In the 1960s, Stanley Jacob, MD, of the Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, discovered that DMSO had impressive pain-relieving properties. During the 1970s, topical preparations of DMSO became wildly popular among people with osteoarthritis and muscle pain. Jacob later researched and began recommending MSM, which has similar benefits.

GLEANINGS: Some people have had great success using MSM internally and topically as an "inside-outside" treatment for burns and other injuries. Another option is to take MSM supplements and to use DMSO topically.

HEADS UP: MSM is available as a dietary supplement, as well as in lotions for topical use. DMSO is used only topically-never internally.

WHAT SHOULD YOU TAKE: The effective dose of MSM is generally 1 to 10 g daily divided over two to three doses. If you experience gas or other digestive upset, decrease the amount by 1 g per dose.

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Product Examples (from left to right)

Alacer Emergen-C MSM Formula is a variation on everyone's favorite fizzy supplement; it provides 1,000 mg of MSM to aid in joint mobility.

Doctor's Best, Best MSM (not pictured) supplies pure crystalline MSM to maintain healthy connective tissue.

Nature's Way MSM Pure OptiMSM provides 1,000 mg of MSM in plant-based, vegetarian-safe capsules.

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MSM Supplements Help Reduce Joint Pain

Kate, age 60, had been suffering from osteoarthritis of the knees. Both over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers caused serious side effects, so her only option was to try various natural products. Some helped, and some did not. Kate found that glucosamine and chondroitin supplements reduced her pain a little after several months. On the advice of a friend, she started taking MSM supplements (3 g daily). After about a week, her knee pain decreased significantly, and she was able to go for daily pain-free walks.