Methyl Sulfonyl Methane

Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM) is a naturally occurring form of organic sulphur found in living organisms.  It is present in low concentrations in body fluids and tissues, human milk, and a variety of fruits, vegetables and grains.  However, when foods are processed, heated or dried, the essential MSM is readily lost.

The development of MSM as a dietary supplement stemmed from research on DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide).  As a stable, odourless dietary metabolite of DMSO, MSM possesses certain properties similar to DMSO together with additional biological activity not possessed by DMSO.

Sulfur plays an indispensable role in human nutrition that is commonly overlooked.  It is responsible for the conformation of body proteins through the formation of disulphide bonds, thereby holding connective tissues together.  Thiol (i.e. sulphudryl) groups are vital to the catalytic functions of numerous enzymes.

Purified MSM can be applied topically or administered orally for effective bioavailability.  MSM is of exceedingly low toxicity to all forms of plant and animal life.

Biochemical Properties

Allergic Response 

MSM has a broad and profound beneficial effect in ameliorating diverse allergic responses.  MSM ameliorates allergic reactions to inhalant, ingestant, contact and infectant allergens.  Subjects find a direct

correlation between concentrations of MSM used and resistance to allergies.  Although MSM alone may not totally eliminate allergic responses, the majority of subjects report a significant reduction in concurrent anti-allergy medication.  Besides environmental allergies (such as house dust, pollen, and animal hair), food and drug allergies (such as aspirin, NSAIDs, antibiotics, dairy, cereals, and shrimp) are afforded considerable protection by MSM.

Gastrointestinal Upset (GI)  

MSM is effective in ameliorating GI upset such as that produced by ingesting certain pharmaceuticals (e.g. aspirin or Mortin) or due to parasitic infections.  Symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea and hyperacidity are all reported to improve.

Pain from Inflammatory disorders 

Pain and inflammation from various sources, such as arthritis and other musculo-skeletal disorders, were relieved by MSM significantly.  MSM significantly reduced night leg cramps, back cramps and muscle spasms.  Reduction in lactic acid buildup is one of the functions of MSM.  This would be useful in sports nutrition.

Parasitic Infection 

MSM demonstrates activity against a variety of parasites of the intestinal and urogenital tracts, among them Giardia lambia (“traveller’s diarrhea”), Trichomonads, and round worms.  MSM may affect such infections by competing for binding sites at the mucous membrane surface, preventing or blocking interface between host and parasite.

Other Functions

Enhances absorption of nutrients from food.

•Helps increase circulation.

•Helps hair and nail growth.

•Helps body heal itself.

•Enhances taurine secretion by tissues.

•Neutralizes the toxicity of anticholinesterase, thereby protecting against insecticides.

References

i. Jacob SW, Herschler R. (1983) “Dimethylsulfoxide; after twenty years”. Ann N Y Acad Sci; 411:xiii-xvii.

ii. Murav'ev IuV, Venikova MS, Pleskovskaia GN, Riazantseva TA, Sigidin IaA. (1991) “Effect of dimethyl sulfoxide and dimethylsulfone on a destructive process in the joints of mice with spontaneous arthritis”. Patol Fiziol Eksp Ter Mar-Apr;(2):37-9

iii. Lawrence RM. (1998) “Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): A double-blind study of its use in degenerative arthritis”. Int J Anti-Aging Med. Summer; I(I); 50.

iv. Barrager E, Veltmann JR Jr, Schauss AG, Schiller RN. (2002) “A multicentered, open-label trial on the safety and efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis.” J Altern Complement Med Apr; 8(2): 167-73.

v. Morton JI, Larrain B, Nairn CS, and Siegel BV. “IgG₃ Cryoglobulinemia in MRL/1pr mice and its modification by DMSO and DMSO₂ therapy.” FASEB J 1992 Fe26; 6(4): A1450 (Abs 2979)