Benefits of MSM
Methylsulphonylmethane also called MSM is an organic sulphur and a popular dietary supplement used most commonly for inflammation, modulation of immune system, oxidative stress, joint mobility and muscle recovery, along with skin and hair health. This compound is naturally occurring in humans, plants, and animals and is a necessary nutrient for collagen production. It can also be produced synthetically in a lab in powder or pill form with no residual differences as it has a GRAS safety rating from the FDA up to 4.8 grams per day. MSM is used by people who are looking for ways to boost immunity, reduce inflammation and treat joint pain.
Joint pain:
MSM is most popular popularly used for the treatment of muscle or joint pain. Joint degeneration is a disease in which the joints of knees, hips, back and hands of the affected person become swollen and painful. Due to this, it limits the ability of the movement of the affected person and greatly impacts the quality of life. Research has proven MSM can greatly reduce inflammation and prevent breakage of cartilage, a type of connective tissue that is found in the soft parts of your body like ears, nose, throat, etc. A study conducted on 100 people proved that MSM can greatly reduce joint pain, swelling and stiffness as compared to the control group. Experimental group also showed improvement in walking and improved overall quality of life (2). The use of MSM in the treatment of arthritis and rosacea is backed up by scientific research (1).
Boosts immunity:
Immune system is like a firewall that protects your body from viruses, bacteria, and other foreign agents that enter your body. It is made up of cells, organs, and tissues that are specialized for protecting you. But sometimes the immune system can be weakened if you are not taking proper care of your body. Lack of activity or sleep, stress, or some other illness can greatly affect the working of the immune system. Compounds that contain sulfur for example MSM can improve or boost your immune system (3). It helps the immune system by reducing oxidative stress or inflammation which is the main cause for the weakening of the immune system. It is very effective in reducing the compounds like IL-6 and TNF- alpha that are released during stress. In addition to reducing oxidative stress, it also stimulates the production of glutathione, which is the master antioxidant in your body. It is very important for maintaining a healthy immune system (4).
Improves hair health:
While buying skincare products a general rule is that you should never buy products whose ingredients you can't pronounce but Methylsulphonylmethane is the exception. MSM not only prevents the breakdown of collagen to helps fight wrinkles it reinvigorates the fight against wrinkles as a necessary nutrient for collagen production. Sulphur is the third most abundant mineral in the body, but deficiencies are becoming more pronounced due to the commercialization of produce. Therefore the supplementation of sulphur with MSM improves hair and nail growth by fighting against thin or cracked nails. It is also beneficial in treating acute or chronic acne. As it stimulates the production of collagen, it also helps in reducing acne scars. It relieves itching, plumps the skin, reduces acne marks, and improves healing of cuts and burns and the good news is for the rosacea sufferers: it relieves and decreases redness in the skin (5).
Speedy recovery after exercise:
After strenuous exercise oxidative stress increases which result in muscle damage. Due to muscle damage, the muscles of athletes become swollen, painful, and stiff. This leads to athletic performance issues.
Again, MSM can help reduce muscle damage and soreness due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties.
A study was conducted on 18 men to confirm the exercise-related benefits of MSM. It was found that MSM (50 mg per kg) reduced muscle damage and inflammation when taken for 10 days after a 14km run.
MSM is also beneficial for prolonged exercise-related issues. In another study on 22 women, it was found that the experimental group reported less muscle pain and soreness as compared to the control group. A different study conducted on men showed that 30mg of MSM significantly reduces IL-6, which is a stress marker, after resistance exercise.
References:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23011466/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4502733/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2198910/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3229597/
- https://www.eraorganics.com/blogs/raw-ingredients/msm-benefits
- https://pk.iherb.com/blog/benefits-of-collagen-supplements/235?gclid=Cj0KCQiAr5iQBhCsARIsAPcwROOXOkMz142PB3Q8Y5SyTZjJju4ZWdpc1rjYZFwwSbxnpJYtrhHSazoaAgE7EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
- Fusini F, Bisicchia S, Bottegoni C, Gigante A, Zanchini F, Busilacchi A. Nutraceutical supplement in the management of tendinopathies: a systematic review. Muscles, Ligaments and Tendons Journal. 2016;6(1):48-57. doi:10.11138/mltj/2016.6.1.048.
- https://natures-island.com/5-ways-collagen-can-improve-your-health/#:~:text=It%20Strengthens%20the%20Immune%20System&text=Collagen%20is%20a%20complex%20protein,%2C%20glutamine%2C%20glycine%20and%20proline.&text=It%20involves%20in%20cellular%20repair,of%20an%20injury%20and%20infections.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5372953/