Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM by Another Name!)

Methylsulfonylmethane, abbreviated MSM, is an organic sulfur-containing compound that occurs naturally in a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and in animals.

MSM appears to readily cross the blood-brain barrier, which makes it highly available to the body.  MSM is used for a wide variety of conditions, including chronic pain, arthritis, joint inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, muscle cramps, wrinkles, peridontal disease, and many, many other things that have not been extensively studied!

MSM for Joint, Tissue, and Skin Health

MSM is found in the body’s tissues and fluids, and helps to maintain collagen, which is important for cellular tissues and bones. MSM helps maintain collagen by bonding it together, thus aiding in the formation of flexible bonds between cells.

Because collagen also holds skin tissue together, MSM helps replenish and repair damaged skin and supports wound healing. If MSM supplies are depleted, dry, cracked, damaged, and wrinkled skin may result! Hair and nail growth can also be improved by supplemental MSM.

Of special note to our members, MSM is thought to support joint comfort by relieving pressure at a cellular level -- by allowing toxins to go out and nutrients to come in -- thereby improving circulation. MSM can help flush lactic acid and toxins (created from overexertion and known to cause discomfort) from cellular tissues. Interestingly, MSM is also thought to support medications for arthritis by helping the medication reach the cells where it is needed.

MSM and Immune System Support

MSM has been found to increase the availability of vitamin C and other antioxidant nutrients, which support immune function and the body’s own healing mechanisms. MSM may also be useful for those with allergies. By supporting the permeability of cell walls, MSM can potentially flush and eliminate enough of any irritant before a severe reaction shows up.

Sulfur and Amino Acids

Amino acids are dubbed the “building blocks” of proteins, and can benefit the blood, skin, immune and digestive systems. Sulfur helps to shape and hold amino acid chains, and helps to ensure protein bonds can be made.

Sulfur is a component of these amino acids:

Methionine: Helps remove heavy metals from tissues, and helps to prevent excessive fat storage in the liver, blood stream, and thus cholesterol on the artery walls. Methionine, as well as cysteine, helps the body detoxify itself of heavy metals and the damages induced by smoking and alcohol.  Methionine is also an antioxidant and a good free radical scavenger.   

Cysteine: Apart from its antioxidant activity, this amino acid works with several other vitamins and minerals to support cellular, hair, and skin health. Cysteine supplies over 10% of the body’s insulin and aids in pancreatic health. Cysteine also helps the body  utilize vitamin B6. 

Cystine: Known primarily for its antioxidant activity, cystine also binds to heavy metals and other toxins to flush them from the body system. 

Taurine: Concentrated in the heart, skeletal muscles, and central nervous system, taurine has been shown to stimulate growth hormone production, support health eye function, and help to regulate insulin, calcium, and potassium levels in the blood stream.

For more information from the Natural Pharmacist's Encyclopedia of Herbs & Supplements.  Note:  You have to click through to get all the information from this site! 

Notes:

1. While MSM is generally considered extremely well tolerated, with no contraindications, it is suggested that MSM be avoided by pregnant and nursing mothers.
2. In some persons, reaction to MSM can include nausea, diarrhea, and headache.