Methylsulfonylmethane, including natural sulfur, an anti-inflammatory agent, has been well-investigated in animal models and human clinical trials.

This post is for information and awareness purposes. It does not include health advice.

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In this short essay, I will provide the seven well-documented benefits to inspire you to research this molecule and try it with support from qualified healthcare professionals if you have the mentioned conditions.

It is called MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane). I have been investigating this unique compound for over two decades. Using this molecule after my 50s made a big difference in my wellness in my older years.

MSM is a natural compound found in plants and animals. It contains sulfur, which is an essential mineral for our bodies. So, sulfur is the key mechanism for the benefits of MSM.

Sulfur is a valuable element for living organisms. It is a component of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Sulfur is also found in specific vitamins and coenzymes, which are vital in various metabolic processes.

I started taking MSM supplements because they offer several health benefits that have been scientifically supported through clinical trials, as documented in many peer-reviewed papers in reputable journals.

In the late 1970s, chemists Dr. Robert Herschler and Dr. Stanley Jacob started investigating MSM’s potential therapeutic applications as an odorless alternative to dimethyl sulfoxide.

Dr. Herschler received a patent for several applications of MSM, including skin and nail health, pain relief, stress reduction, and more, although scientific evidence was limited.

Research has since indicated potential benefits for arthritis, inflammatory conditions, allergic rhinitis, and exercise-induced inflammation.

MSM usage was relatively low in the past. However, recent years have seen a rise in its popularity and use, especially as it gained Generally Recognized As Safe status from the FDA in 2007.

MSM is considered safe and tolerable; therefore, it is publicly available in health shops with no prescription requirement. However, it is necessary to discuss MSM use with qualified healthcare professionals before trying, as it might affect some conditions and interfere with medications.

1 — Protection against oxidative damage

Oxidative stress is the root cause of many ailments. MSM acts as an antioxidant. This means it can neutralize harmful molecules called free radicals that can damage our cells and tissues.

MSM can lower neuronal oxidative stress. By taking MSM, we can potentially protect our nervous system from this kind of damage linked to aging.

For example, this paper states that “MSM significantly reversed HIV-1 Tat-mediated reductions in reduced glutathione and HIV-1 Tat-mediated increases in oxidized glutathione. In addition, Tat reduced the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, a key nuclear promoter of antioxidant activity.”

2 — Relief from inflammatory joint pain

Chronic inflammation leading to joint pain can become a real issue as we age, especially for those with arthritis. MSM has anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can reduce joint inflammation and pain.

This randomized clinical trial in 2005 examined whether a 12-week course of a glucosamine complex, including MSM, could benefit patients having low back pain despite a period of noninvasive physical therapy. They found that analgesic effects and improvement in quality of life.

MSM has proven anti-inflammatory effects backed by scientific research. It works by inhibiting NF-kB, a protein involved in inflammation, and reducing cytokines like TNF-ɑ and IL-6, which are linked to inflammation throughout the body.

MSM can boost glutathione, a potent antioxidant made by the body. Glutathione is an essential antioxidant of the body for detoxifying cells and promoting immune cell function.

3 — Recovery After Exercise by Reducing Muscle Damage

This 2012 study, a randomized controlled trial, aimed to assess the impact of a 10-day MSM supplementation on exercise-induced muscle damage. A total of 18 healthy, active young men were involved in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

They were divided into two groups: one receiving a placebo and another MSM supplement for ten days. After the supplementation period, participants ran 14 kilometers, and blood samples were collected at various points.

The results showed that creatine kinase and bilirubin levels significantly increased in the placebo group 24 hours after exercise compared to the MSM group. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) increased immediately after exercise in the MSM group but not in the placebo group, as well as 30 minutes, 2 hours, and 24 hours after exercise.

Notably, TAC levels in the MSM group were significantly higher than those in the placebo group 2 and 24 hours after exercise. This finding suggests that a 10-day MSM supplementation regimen may reduce muscle damage through its positive impact on antioxidant capacity.

4 — Better skin, hair, and nails

Collagen is a protein that’s crucial for healthy skin, hair, and nails. MSM plays a role in collagen production, which is fantastic for maintaining skin elasticity and joint flexibility. I’ve also noticed that my hair and nails are looking healthier since I started taking MSM.

As documented in this paper, “MSM is an organosulfur compound with known benefits for joint health, sports nutrition, immune function, and anti-aging formulations and is gaining popularity as a nutritional supplement for the support of hair, skin, and nails.”

Based on this observation, researchers conducted a two-part pilot study. In Part I, 20 participants took either 3 grams of MSM or a placebo daily for 16 weeks.

The study observed changes in wrinkles and skin texture, common signs of aging. Results showed that those taking 3 grams of MSM experienced a significant reduction in facial wrinkles and skin roughness compared to the placebo group.

In Part II (the dose-response study), 63 participants took either 1 gram or 3 grams of MSM daily for 16 weeks. Clinical grading, instrumental measurements, and consumer feedback were used to evaluate skin conditions such as wrinkles, firmness, elasticity, and hydration.

The study found that both doses of MSM led to improvements in these skin parameters. The higher dose of 3 grams showed slightly better results, but even the lower dose of 1 gram effectively reduced signs of skin aging.

5 — Improved cholesterol (HDL) profile

In a 2021 scientific study involving 22 overweight or obese adults, researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Participants were divided into two groups, with one group receiving a placebo (white rice flour) and the other group taking 3 grams of MSM daily for 16 weeks. Various health measurements were taken at the beginning of the study and 4, 8, and 16 weeks.

These measurements included factors like fasting glucose, insulin, blood lipids, blood pressure, body composition, metabolic rate, and markers of inflammation and oxidative status.

The key finding was that the group taking MSM showed increased levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol at 8 and 16 weeks compared to the baseline. This suggests that MSM supplementation may have a positive impact on cholesterol levels, particularly by increasing HDL cholesterol.

6 — Improved digestive health

When studying the effects of supplementation, I noticed that some people found that MSM helps with digestion. It can lower bloating and indigestion. It certainly helped with my digestive disorders when struggling with leaky gut syndrome.

Believing MSM has protective effects against various disorders through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, tested it on mice in 2017. They found MSM was effective against gastric mucosal injury.

MSM had several positive effects, like increasing glutathione, catalase, and prostaglandin in the gastric tissues.

It decreased the levels of harmful substances such as malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, carbonyl protein, and nitric oxide in the gastric tissues, reducing oxidative stress.

MSM also reduced gastric inflammation by lowering the levels of proinflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MCP-1, and MMP-9. It also decreased the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), which plays a crucial role in inflammation within the gastric mucosa.

Conclusions and Takeaways

If you’re in your 50s or beyond, I encourage you to research MSM and see if it’s right for you. It’s a natural compound with many potential benefits and could be a helpful addition to your wellness routine.

MSM is usually safe and tolerable for most people, but it might have some side effects, too. The common side effects documented in the literature are nausea, diarrhea, bloating, and stomach discomfort. I haven’t experienced any of these side effects in taking around 3 grams on an empty stomach.

You can buy it from health shops in powder dissolved in water or capsule form, which is easier to take as it has a sour taste. But you need to keep a few points in mind when purchasing and taking MSM supplements.

Talk to your healthcare consultants before taking MSM if you have any health conditions or are taking medications.

Choose a high-quality MSM supplement from a reputable manufacturer.

Start with a low dose and gradually increase it as needed.

Be patient. It may take some time to see the full benefits of MSM.

Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life.

I am a regular contributor to NewsBreak. To inform my new readers, I wrote numerous articles that might inform and inspire you. My topics include brain and cognitive function, significant health conditions, longevity, nutrition/food, valuable nutrients, ketogenic lifestyle, self-healing, weight management, writing/reading, science, technology, business, and humor.

I compile my health and wellness stories on my blog, EUPHORIA. My posts do not include professional or health advice. I only document my reviews, observations, experiences, and perspectives to provide information and create awareness.