MSM

 Summary 1
 Product Summary - Kilosports
  • Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM; a.k.a. dimethylsulfone) is marketed as an anti-inflammatory/joint support nutrient, as in the treatment of arthritis. MSM is a metabolite of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), a compound with a strong garlic odour and antioxidant properties that is used extensively in the pharmaceutical industry. In the past, DMSO has also been promoted as an anti-arthritic supplement.
  • MSM crosses the blood-brain barrier of humans. The function of MSM in the body, if any, remains uncertain. MSM has been investigated previously in the treatment of interstitial cystitis. In U.S. Patent #4,296,130, the patent holder describes cosmetic and wound-healing applications of MSM: "Another substance proposed for use in skin treating compositions is dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). As described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,549,770, DMSO has utility in relieving signs and symptoms of pain and tissue inflammation and for promoting tissue repair of a subject having a skin graft or suffering from burns or tissue damage. But, DMSO frequently causes adverse skin reactions so that DMSO has previously been considered unsuitable for use in cosmetics and other non-prescription preparations. It has now been discovered that compositions containing methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) can be used effectively to soften skin, to dilute blood, and for a variety of other useful purposes. MSM compositions are stable and safe for administration to human or other animal subjects and therefore eliminate many problems of the prior art. In particular, topically applied MSM compositions benefit the skin to a far greater degree than lanolin or carbamide. And, MSM can be combined with lanolin and/or carbamide to form skin preparations which are exceptionally effective. MSM has proved to have varied and useful properties when applied to any animal tissue subject to undesired chemical bond formation including cross-linking. It has been observed to beautify the complexion, to enhance scalp and hair, and generally to help make the body of the user more flexible and comfortable. Various MSM formulations are also exceedingly useful as bland vehicles for pharmaceuticals." "MSM is a naturally occurring substance found in the tissues and body fluids of at least all higher animals. It can be isolated from mammalian milk, e.g. cow's milk. It is also a naturally occurring excretory product in higher animals, such as man, where it is found in the urine. MSM is of exceedingly low toxicity to all forms of life, plant as well as animal. Except for its beneficial effect on animal tissue, it appears to be totally inert to the diverse chemical reactions involved in the processes of life." REFERENCES U.S. Patent #4,296,130. October 20, 1981. Methylsulfonylmethane and methods of use.
 Suggested Doses
  • Take 5 grams per day with a meal.
 Safety Issues
  • These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
 Summary 2: Super Nutrition, Vancouver
  • MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane) contains a sulfur compound which is present in the human body.  This compound plays an important role in human nutrition.  MSM is a naturally occurring organic chemical and derivative of DMSO.  Although MSM has not yet been established as a vitamin, it does have vitamin-like moderating or normalizing activity for a number of body functions.  Found in a wide variety of foods, including fresh raw fruits and vegetables, meat, milk, seafood, and some grains, MSM is easily destroyed during moderate food processing.  Cooking, drying, smoking, pickling, and storage can deplete or eliminate the MSM content of food.  Unless the diet consists largely of raw, organic, unprocessed foods, it is unlikely that sufficient MSM will be ingested to maintain optimal health.  Low concentrations of MSM within the body may result in fatigue, physical and psychological stresses and an increased susceptibility to disease.
  • The physiological function of MSM is an important binder of soft tissue.   It also fights parasites, aids digestion, and alleviates heartburn and is an excellent 'beauty' nutrient, promoting healthy skin, strong nails, and lustrous hair.   Research has shown that MSM coat the mucous membranes in the body, creating a shield or barrier through which air-borne allergy-causing contaminants are prevented from entering the tissue of the lungs and nasal passages.  This is a significant benefit for those who suffer from allergies, hayfever, or asthma.
  • Other benefits of MSM may include and improvement of the following: Skin problems, detoxification, inflammatory diseases, muscle cramps, intestinal problems, antioxidant, insulin production, and wound healing.
 Summary 3: Bodybuilding.com - Boise, Idaho
  • Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), also known as Sulfonyl sulfur is found in the fluid and tissues of all living organisms and in a variety of raw plant and animal foods. It is no longer present in foods that have been stored during shipping or held in storage, even though they contained MSM in their natural state.
  • It bonds with moisture, and when any dehydration occurs, the MSM goes with it. It can help with many things like control constipation, reduce allergic responses, relieve stomach discomfort, control hyperacidity, reduce hangover symptoms, and much, much more!
  • Like Glucosamine and Chondroitin, MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), may provide raw materials the body needs in order to make cartilage in the first place. MSM is a pure, organic, non-toxic, non-metallic element that occurs widely in nature. It's a metabolite of the compound dimethysulfoxide, and by weight is 34% elemental sulfur, making it one of the richest sources of sulfur. As the eighth most abundant element in all living organisms, sulfur is found in more than 150 types of bodily compounds, from enzymes and tissues to hormones and antioxidants. It's also a component of structural protein, the type found in hair, skin, and joints. Sulfur also occurs in connective tissue, in a key structural component called collagen. (Collagen helps form cartilage). Researchers predict that MSM will soon be proven effective not only in the treatment of various types of arthritis (including rheumatoid and osteoarthritis), but also in other conditions that involve connective tissue degeneration.
  • Side effects: No side effects have been reported with the use of sulfur.
  • Recommended dosage: 1-2 grams per day.