Methylsulfonylmethane or MSM is a natural form of a sulfur compound that is sometimes found as an MSM supplement that has been found to be beneficial to humans in many ways. It is a form of organic sulfur that all humans need to be healthy because it assists the body in using vitamins such as Vitamin C, B5, B1 and biotin.

What are the basics about MSM supplement?

MSM is not a type of drug, it occurs in nature and is odorless and non-toxic and appears in some of the foods people eat such as fresh fruits and vegetables. It is made from the oxidation of another component called DMSO. Our bodies have small amounts of it in tissues from our nerves, skin, joints and hair.

How can you ingest MSM?

When it is made into an MSM supplement, it is synthesized and made into pills, lotions, gels, flakes, crystals, and flakes. If you want to get MSM from your food, then you need to eat things like raw broccoli, peppers, onions, Brussels sprouts, cabbage or asparagus. It is also found in high concentrations in milk.

Usually, it is better to get MSM from an MSM supplement, as cooking, and other processing destroys it in food products. MSM supplement is often sold in a mixture with glucosamine and chondroitin as a component to treat arthritis.

How should it be stored?

MSM supplement should be stored in an area with a temperature of between 78 and 82 degrees that is not damp. Make sure the lid is on securely. Do not keep in a freezer or refrigerator because it will turn into crystals. Its shelf life is about two to five years.

Can Everyone Take MSM?

Sulfur is a well-known product that has been used by humans for more than 300 years and it is found in all of our cells. If you don’t get enough of it, your body will have problems repairing damaged cells or you may have more of sensitivity to pain, or suffer with arthritis, memory loss or acne. Deficiencies of sulfur can also cause dry and brittle hair and fingernails and skin.

Anyone can take MSM, but it is best to consult your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing, have a heart condition or wish to give it to a child under two years old. In addition, some research has been done that suggests that this supplement might have blood thinning properties so you should ask your doctor about taking it if you already are on an aspirin regime or take blood thinners for medical reasons. For this reason, you should also stop taking MSM supplements several days before undergoing any time of surgery.

Why is it better than DMSO?

Even though MSM supplement is made from DMSO, it is preferable for reasons that include the fact that it, unlike DMSO, has no side effects. DMSO, on the other hand, is known to bring on itching, shortness of breath, nasal congestion, and flatulence.

How should MSM supplement be taken?

If you decide to take this supplement, then you should take it with meals so you won’t get heartburn and be sure to drink lots of water.  If it is your first time, start off with about 1000 mg and you can work your way up to the recommended dose of between 2,000 and 6,000 mg.  Take the lower dose for a week before building up to the higher doses in order to avoid intestinal issues.

What conditions can MSM supplement help?

MSM is good for your skin because it helps it to be elastic, smooth and soft and less susceptible to wrinkles or stretch marks. There is even a form of this supplement made into soap that is great for washing the face to prevent acne and make your face soft and wrinkle free.

It is also good for helping your finger and toenails for the keratin protein they need to form properly. It also helps the hair to grow better and be softer and less likely to be dry or brittle.

MSM also helps to fight pain and can help with muscle cramps or inflammation such as that which athletes get after a hard workout.

Does this supplement work for anyone?

It is possible that this supplement won’t work for everyone who takes it. This is because all humans are different and react differently to things. This is another reason why you need to experiment with the doses to see what works best for you.

MSM supplements may also help with conditions like gastrointestinal issues, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, and bursitis. It also helps give users more mental or physical energy. It also may stimulate the immune system and help it work better.

Research on MSM supplement

While doctors rarely seem to prescribe MSM supplement (like many other vitamins, it is available at your local health food store without a prescription), there has been several research studies done to test its capabilities.  In a study done at the Oregon Health Sciences University on arthritis and post exercise pain using mice, they confirmed that the mice that received MSM supplement had no degeneration of the cartilage in their bodies, while the others did. They also did a study using more than 12,000 people found that oral MSM supplement worked well in treating  arthritis, and soreness and pain in fatigued muscles.

Another study involved 168 patients where 52 of them were given this supplement to test to see if it helped with osteoarthritis pain of the knees when compared to conventional treatment. The study was, however, unable to prove that MSM supplements helped any better than regular accepted medical treatments.

All in all, MSM supplement may be a valuable addition to our diets and can be beneficial in many ways. Talk to your doctor to see if this product may help you and alleviate your condition.