What is MSM?
MSM - an odourless, white crystalline molecule - is a natural form of organic sulfur found in all living organisms, and is present in low concentrations in our body fluids and in the connective tissues of the skin, nails, and hair. This sulfur is necessary for collagen synthesis. MSM is a natural component of many fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood and meat, and is also found in tea, coffee, chocolate and milk. In fact, one of the richest sources of MSM in the diet of mammals is milk. MSM is also commonly referred to as 'Nature's Beauty Mineral'!

MSM naturally scavenges free radicals, relieves allergies to foods and pollens, controls acidity in stomach and ulcers, and helps the vitamins and minerals we take in to nourish our bodies. It is an all-natural product derived from sulfonyl, an organic compound that grows naturally in plants, animals, and in soil. Its largest concentrations are found in pine trees. Unlike sulfur, MSM is completely water-soluble and non-toxic. Large concentrations have not been found to do any harm to the human body.

It is estimated that the human body uses up to about 1/8 teaspoon of MSM each day. This needs to be replaced on a regular basis. Unless your diet is comprised primarily of raw foods, it is unlikely that you are receiving enough MSM for proper health management. Although MSM is found in many fresh foods, modern agricultural methods, food processing, and cooking cause its depletion. When we process our foods with heat or drying, we lose most of the MSM that is vital to our wellbeing 

MSM is taken orally in a dosage of 6gr daily for six months

8 Science-Backed Benefits of MSM Supplements

Methylsulfonylmethane, more commonly known as MSM, is a popular dietary supplement used to treat a wide array of symptoms and conditions.

It’s a sulfur-containing compound found naturally in plants, animals and humans. It can also be produced in a lab to create dietary supplements in powder or capsule form.

MSM is widely used in the alternative medicine field and by people looking for a natural way to relieve joint pain, reduce inflammation and boost immunity.

In addition, research supports its use in treating a number of conditions from arthritis to rosacea.

Here are 8 science-backed health benefits of MSM.

1. Can Decrease Joint Pain, Which Could Improve Your Quality of Life

2. Has Anti-Inflammatory Effects, Such as Increasing Glutathione Levels

The anti-inflammatory properties of MSM are well documented by scientific research.

It’s believed that MSM inhibits NF-kB, a protein complex involved in inflammatory responses in your body .

It also reduces the production of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-ɑ) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), which are signaling proteins linked to systemic inflammation .

Additionally, MSM can increase levels of glutathione, a potent antioxidant produced by your body.

For example, supplementing with MSM significantly reduced inflammation in mice with stomach ulcers by inhibiting the release of inflammatory cytokines including TNF-ɑ and IL-6, as well as .

Another study in 40 physically active men showed that taking 3 grams of MSM before exhaustive exercise decreased the release of inflammatory cytokines and prevented the over-stress of immune cells, compared to a placebo.

3. Can Speed Recovery After Exercise by Reducing Muscle Damage and Stress

During exhaustive exercise, muscle damage occurs and oxidative stress increases.

This causes athletes to experience muscle soreness and pain, which can hinder athletic performance and training.

MSM can naturally speed muscle recovery after intense exercise by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

A study in 18 men showed that taking 50 mg of MSM powder per kg of body weight for 10 days significantly reduced exercise-induced muscle damage and increased antioxidant activity following an 8.7 mile (14 km) run.

It may also be beneficial for reducing pain after prolonged exercise.

In one study, 22 healthy women received 3 grams of MSM or a placebo per day for three weeks leading up to a half marathon. The MSM group reported less muscle soreness and joint pain than the placebo group.

Another study found that athletic men taking 3 grams of MSM daily for two weeks had lower levels of IL-6 and less muscle pain after intense resistance exercise .

4. Helps Alleviate Arthritis Symptoms by Reducing Pain and Stiffness

Arthritis is a common inflammatory condition that causes pain, stiffness and a reduced range of motion in your joints.

Since MSM has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, it’s often used as a natural alternative to medications to improve Arthritis related symptoms

A study in 49 people with knee osteoarthritis found that taking 3.4 grams of MSM per day for 12 weeks reduced pain and stiffness and improved physical function, compared to a placebo.

Additionally, it can enhance the effectiveness of other common supplements used to treat arthritis such as glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate and boswellic acid.

One study found that combining MSM with glucosamine and chondroitin was more effective at decreasing pain and stiffness in people with knee osteoarthritis than glucosamine and chondroitin alone,

Another study showed that a daily supplement containing 5 grams of MSM and 7 grams of boswellic acid was more effective than glucosamine at reducing pain and improving function in people with knee osteoarthritis.

What’s more, the people who received the MSM and boswellic acid supplement were less dependent on anti-inflammatory medications than the glucosamine group.

5. May Help Relieve Allergy Symptoms by Reducing Inflammation

Allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction that causes symptoms such as watery eyes, sneezing, itching, runny nose and nasal congestion.

Common triggers of allergic rhinitis include animal dander, pollen and molds.

After exposure to an allergen, many inflammatory substances such as prostaglandins and cytokines are released, which leads to unpleasant symptoms.

Studies have shown that MSM may be effective in reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

It may decrease allergic reactions by lowering inflammation and inhibiting the release of cytokines and prostaglandins.

A study in 50 people with allergic rhinitis found that a dose of 2,600 mg of MSM per day over 30 days reduced symptoms including itching, congestion, shortness of breath, sneezing and coughing.

Additionally, participants experienced a significant increase in energy by day 14.

6. Can Boost Immunity and Help You Stay Healthy

Your immune system is a specialized network of tissues, cells and organs that protects your body against illness and disease.

It can be weakened by things like stress, illness, a poor diet, insufficient sleep or lack of activity.

Sulfur compounds such as MSM play important roles in the health of your immune system.

For example, MSM may be effective in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation that can weaken immunity. Since it’s effective in reducing levels of inflammatory compounds like IL-6 and TNF-ɑ, MSM may reduce stress on your immune system.

Additionally, it plays a part in the creation of glutathione, your body’s master antioxidant. It may also help increase levels of this important compound.

Having adequate levels of glutathione is crucial for the overall health and function of your immune system.

A test-tube study showed that MSM effectively restored glutathione levels and reduced inflammatory markers in mouse cells that had been weakened with HIV proteins.

7. Could Improve Skin Health by Strengthening Keratin

Keratin is a protein that acts as the main structural component in your hair, skin and nails.

It contains high levels of the sulfur-containing amino acid cysteine. That’s why burnt hair gives off a characteristic sulfurous smell.

MSM may be beneficial for skin health by acting as a sulfur donor to keratin. This, in turn, can help strengthen this important protein.

MSM also helps reduce inflammation, which can damage skin cells and cause signs of premature aging like wrinkles.

It may even reduce symptoms of problematic skin conditions such as rosacea, which can cause redness, irritation and inflammation of the skin.

One study showed that, when applied to the skin, MSM significantly improved redness, itching, inflammation, hydration and skin color in people with rosacea.

8. May Have Cancer-Fighting Properties

One of the newest areas of research involving MSM is studying its effectiveness in fighting cancer cells. Although the research is limited, the results have been promising so far.

Several test-tube studies have shown that MSM inhibits the growth of stomach, esophageal, liver, colon, skin and bladder cancer cells.

It seems to do this by damaging cancer cell DNA and stimulating cancer cell death.

MSM also appears to prevent the spread of cancer cells, also known as metastasis.

A study in mice with liver cancer showed that those injected with MSM had fewer tumors, smaller tumor size and less liver damage than those who did not receive the treatment.

Another mouse study demonstrated that MSM inhibited the growth of human breast cancer cells.

Although these results are encouraging, more research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of using MSM in cancer treatment.