MSM is an ingredient that often appears in joint support supplements for good reason. Both physically active people and people who do not train can benefit from its properties. It proves to be an effective measure in prevention and during an ongoing injury. But that is not all… See for yourself.
MSM – organic sulfur for joints
MSM, or methylsulfonylmethane, is an organic form of sulfur that turns out to be extremely important for our health. A key benefit of taking MSM is its beneficial effect on the condition and function of the musculoskeletal system. Of course, it is not the only component the musculoskeletal system needs to remain in proper condition, even under heavy strain.
It should be remembered that the musculoskeletal system is not only muscles and joints, but also tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue. Therefore, the key ingredients will be collagen and the amino acids that build it, glucosamine, chondroitin and, of course, organic sulfur. Do not forget about vitamin C either, because its adequate availability and levels are extremely important when it comes to regeneration and prevention of the system.
In the context of the musculoskeletal system, sulfur can be called a building block. It is a component of joint cartilage and connective tissue. Its role is associated with optimal tissue hydration, which translates into better flexibility, resilience and durability.
Supplementation may therefore improve joint cushioning, which is invaluable in injury prevention, especially under high physical loads.
Importantly, this is not only about people who train hard, are physically active or are competitive athletes. Many joint-related problems are caused, among other things, by a lack of sulfur in the body.
A 2011 study (Debbi) confirms that MSM supplementation helps with osteoarthritis. After 12 weeks of using appropriate doses of organic sulfur, a significant reduction in pain was noted, along with improved physical performance compared with the placebo group.
It is worth mentioning that comparative tests were also carried out between the effects of MSM, glucosamine, their combination and placebo. Together with glucosamine, it reduced pain symptoms, had an anti-inflammatory effect and gave better results in terms of reducing swelling and improving functionality. The condition improved much faster.
Proper supplementation may be beneficial for athletes, who quite often struggle with inflammation. All the more so because every physical effort creates pressure and may cause micro-injuries that can then lead to more serious injuries.
MSM has also proved useful in RA, i.e. rheumatoid arthritis. This is due to the anti-inflammatory action of organic sulfur. A clear improvement was noted in the quality of life of those supplementing it, overall functionality improved, and thus swelling and pain symptoms decreased. In addition, sulfur is key support in collagen formation.
MSM for muscles and health
As we know, by supporting the musculoskeletal system, we inevitably improve training results. We can do more, take on greater loads, and perform heavier and longer training sessions, etc. Nevertheless, MSM supplementation may also contribute more directly to muscle development. It is worth mentioning, among other things, its antioxidant properties.
In fact, this is about its effect on glutathione (GSH), our strongest antioxidant. Studies confirm that an increase in GSH levels was noted in people taking MSM, and this in turn supports protein anabolism.
Antioxidant properties are beneficial for the overall improvement and maintenance of health. Sulfur supplementation reduces oxidative stress and has a beneficial effect on the body's immune functions.
Moreover, the element is a component of the amino acid methionine, which is essential for the production of methyl groups. Some sources also mention a helpful effect in removing excess heavy metals from the body.
It is worth mentioning that according to studies, people taking MSM showed a higher degree of post-workout recovery and less muscle fatigue compared with the placebo group. Markers of muscle fibre breakdown were also assessed, which showed that in people supplementing with MSM the marker levels were lower, and therefore catabolism was also lower.
Who should be careful with MSM?
MSM is a potentially safe supplement with a number of positive properties. Nevertheless, there is no universal remedy, and supplementation should be selected individually. Not everyone tolerates organic sulfur well.
To begin with, some sources mention that it should not be combined with alcohol or used in cases of alcohol abuse. Using MSM may not be beneficial for people who have problems with the CBS gene. It is responsible for the conversion of homocysteine into cystathionine and then into cysteine.
Who else? People who have trouble processing sulfates may experience side effects such as nausea, bloating, and headaches. These effects may occur not only in the case of MSM supplementation, but also after consuming products that are a good source of sulfur. These problems may result, for example, from a vitamin B1 deficiency (a genetic factor may also be involved).
If we want the proper effect of MSM on the body and to limit possible adverse effects, it is worth bearing in mind optimal levels of selenium and B vitamins, especially B1, B2, and B6).
In short – why MSM will be useful to you
- has an anti-inflammatory effect,
- protects joints and supports recovery,
- reduces the risk of injury,
- improves skin condition and helps keep it in good condition,
- may reduce joint pain,
- affects glutathione levels,
- may reduce exercise-induced fatigue,
- supports immunity,
- helps with osteoporosis,
- helps with RA (rheumatoid arthritis).
