MSM: What is it? What are its effects on health and the musculoskeletal system?

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a frequently used substance found in many dietary supplements. It is a compound beneficial for joint, muscle, cartilage and immune system health.

For natural sources of MSM, health effects, side effects, dosage, dietary supplements, and much more interesting information, check out this article.

What is MSM?

Methylsulfonylmethane is a sulfur-containing organic compound. It occurs naturally in foods, animals, and the human body. However, MSM can also be created synthetically as a dietary supplement in the form of capsules or powder for pouring.

Sulfur is a very important mineral for the proper functioning of several internal processes in the human body.

MSM is used to relieve inflammation, reduce joint pain, support cartilage, regenerate the musculoskeletal system and also to support the immune system and immunity.

It is likely that you consume MSM in your regular diet as well. It is found in cow's milk, meat, fish or eggs. It is concentrated in various vegetables, especially cabbage and kale.

It also occurs naturally in tomatoes, corn, apples, raspberries, coffee and even beer.

However, the concentration of MSM in natural sources is relatively low. Therefore, the synthetic form of MSM has become a popular dietary supplement for athletes and everyday people.

The naturally synthetic compound MSM is produced by the chemical synthesis of elemental sulfur. It is a very common ingredient in medications and dietary supplements beneficial for musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Beneficial effects of MSM on human health

For joints, cartilage, anti-inflammatory effects, immunity and more...

Promoting joint and cartilage health

One of the most important effects of MSM is to naturally help reduce joint and musculoskeletal pain.

In various studies, MSM has been shown to be beneficial for individuals with joint degeneration, arthritis. The degenerative process of the joints negatively affects the quality of daily life and overall mobility of the individual.

MSM promotes cartilage health, inhibits the breakdown of elastic cartilage tissue and protects bone ends. It promotes the formation of joint cells.

Studies in which individuals took MSM showed relief of subjective pain, objective elimination of inflammation and joint swelling. One research found that combining MSM with glucosamine and chondroitin was effective in reducing joint pain and stiffness.

Anti-inflammatory effect

Many studies have shown that MSM significantly reduces inflammation in the body. They suggest that MSM inhibits a protein complex that is involved in inflammatory reactions in the body.

It also reduces the production of inflammatory cytokines, which are signaling proteins associated with systemic inflammation in the body. In addition, MSM increases the levels of the antioxidant glutathione. Thus, MSM promotes the elimination of inflammation in the joints.

Help with arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammatory disease that causes pain, stiffness and limited range of motion in the joints. Because MSM has strong anti-inflammatory properties, it is often used as a natural aid in the treatment of arthritis.

MSM can enhance the effectiveness of other supplements and ingredients used to treat musculoskeletal disorders (glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate...).

Thus, MSM helps with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, bursitis, tendonitis, rotations, musculoskeletal pain and muscle spasms.

Supporting musculoskeletal regeneration

With excessive physical stress, physiological muscle damage occurs. This often results in muscle pain, cramps, lactate production and discomfort.

MSM helps to naturally accelerate muscle recovery after exercise by reducing the inflammatory process and oxidative stress. A study conducted on athletes showed a significant acceleration of muscle recovery.

MSM is therefore a popular dietary supplement among professional and recreational athletes.

Thus, MSM can act as a natural analgesic for muscle pain, rotations and inflammation of the musculoskeletal system.

Supporting the immune system

Sulphur compounds such as MSM play an important role in immune health and immunity. It has a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect. It is therefore effective in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which can weaken immunity.

Studies have shown that MSM effectively stimulates levels of the antioxidant glutathione, which has a positive effect on immune function. Sulphur also has calming properties and helps to better manage oxidative stress.

Last but not least, MSM promotes the production of vitamin C, H (biotin, vitamin B7), B5 (pantothenic acid) and B13 (lipoic acid). These vitamins are essential for proper immune and nervous system function and energy metabolism.

Supporting skin health

Keratin is a protein that acts as the main component of hair, skin and nails. It contains relatively high amounts of cysteine, a sulphur-containing amino acid. The sulphur content plays an active role in the formation of both collagen and keratin. MSM can therefore also be beneficial for skin and hair health.

According to one study, MSM can alleviate symptoms of problematic skin conditions such as redness, itching, rosacea, irritation or inflammation of the skin itself.

Help with allergic symptoms

An allergic reaction causes unpleasant conditions such as sneezing, itching, tearing, breathing difficulties and more. The allergen causes the release of inflammatory cytokines, which MSM is supposed to alleviate. Studies have shown an effect especially on allergic rhinitis.

MSM helps to restore the intestinal mucosa, thereby reducing inflammatory allergic reactions to food allergies. It improves the permeability and absorptive capacity of the intestinal tract. It promotes the tone of the muscles of the digestive system.

Anti-tumour potential

One of the most recent studies looked at the effect of MSM in fighting cancer cells. Although there is not much research, the current results have potential.

MSM is thought to help inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, especially in the organs of the digestive tract - stomach, esophagus, liver, colon. The effect of MSM on breast, skin or bladder cancer has also been investigated.

A summary of the possible effects of MSM:

• Anti-inflammatory effect
• Antioxidant effect
• Support for joint health
• Reduction of muscle pain
• Promoting physical performance
• Reduction of swelling and inflammation
• Support cartilage functionality
• Promoting musculoskeletal regeneration
• Supporting the immune system and immunity
• Support vitamin C production
• Support collagen and keratin formation
• Supporting skin, nail and hair health
• Reduction of allergic manifestations
• Supporting the digestive system
• Alternative help for snoring
• Support protein and amino acid metabolism
• Support hormonal balance
• Supporting the body's natural detoxification

MSM: safety and side effects

MSM is generally considered safe. It is well tolerated with minimal side effects. If dosage is not followed, it can cause nausea, bloating, digestive and intestinal problems. In rare cases, an allergic reaction may occur.

An allergic reaction is manifested by common allergic symptoms such as skin rash, itching or breathing difficulties. In this case, seek the help of an allergist.

MSM is a safe dietary supplement at normal dosage and has no official negative side effects.

However, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult their gynaecologist about the use and dosage of MSM.

Currently, there are no studies available to confirm the safety of MSM for pregnant women. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid this supplement during pregnancy.

MSM should not be combined or mixed with alcoholic beverages. It is also not suitable for people on blood thinners or with liver damage (disease).

Dietary supplements and dosage of MSM

Dietary supplements with MSM for internal use are currently available mainly in capsule or soluble powder form. It can be sold as a stand-alone ingredient, but also as part of musculoskeletal support complexes.

MSM is a common ingredient in medicines and natural dietary supplements for the prevention of joint health and diseases such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and arthritis.

MSM can also be purchased in the form of creams and gels for external topical use. The ointment is applied to the skin of the affected area or joint or muscle.

The daily dose of MSM for internal use varies quite a bit from study to study and from source to source, ranging from 1 000 to 6 000 mg. It depends on whether the goal of use is prevention or treatment of a specific disease under the supervision of a physician.

A dose of up to 3 000 mg is considered safe for the general population according to some sources.

However, it is necessary to follow the dosage indicated on the packaging of the specific product.