Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a chemical that is commonly found in animals, plants, and even humans, but can also be synthesized in a laboratory. Some other sources of MSM include fruits and vegetables, soils, poultry, fish, and eggs. Another name for MSM is organic sulfur, which is a compound in our bodies that is naturally made.
Why do I need MSM?
What most of us don’t realize is that sulfur is considered to be one of five basic elements of life, making it a crucial element in human nutrition. Every cell in the human body has it, and it is necessary for the proper function of 150 compounds in our body such as enzymes, hormones, antioxidants and antibodies. The muscles, bones, nails, skin, and hair of our body is where sulfur can be located. MSM can increase the amount of essential sulfur that is the cornerstone of a number of compounds in our body.
Some of the functions of sulfur in the human body include:
- Keeps connective tissue healthy and helps with production of collagen
- Keeps the body’s acid/alkaline (pH) balanced.
- Activator for vitamin C, biotin, thiamine, and pantothenic acid.
- Supplies the body with the necessary materials needed to produce new cells, to repair old or injured tissues and organs.
- Maintenance of the cell membrane which increases flexibility and permeability, that allows nutrients and waste to be more effectively exchanged.
- Assists with production of energy, as a constituent of insulin and is necessary for normal metabolism of carbohydrates (carbs).
What can it be used for?
MSM is used as medicine for a large variety of problems. Some of these include:
- Arthritis.
- Allergies.
- PMS.
- Acne.
- Lung Issues.
- Muscle Pains.
- Heart Burn.
- Constipation.
- Wrinkles.
- Eye inflammation.
- Oral Hygiene.
- Tendonitis.
- Osteoporosis.
- Chronic Pains.
- Scleroderma.
- And many more.
The utility of MSM is vast, making it an extremely versatile supplement. For more information on what it can treat, visit this page.
How much MSM should I take?
On a day to day basis, a normal dose is typically around ½ tsp to 1 ½ tsp twice daily, with a maximum limit of 6 tsp.
Safety
MSM is rather safe to take. Overdosing is extremely rare; studies have been conducted on mice, and it was discovered that 20 grams of MSM is needed per kilogram of body weight to severely harm it. Testing on humans revealed that no toxic effects were present when one gram was taken per kilogram of bodyweight over the course of 30 days (unfortunately, there are very few long term studies for this). An unpublished study which lasted for 6 months concluded that there were, in fact, no side effects found in volunteers over this time frame.
There is no agreed upon standard of recommended dosage, but a good guideline is probably somewhere between 500mg-5g daily for maintenance purposes.
Photo Credit: kevinzim
Article of interest: GABA and Alcohol