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MSM

Limited mobility, reduced range of motion, and joint pain are common side effects of a life devoted to intense training. Joint support supplements offer an all natural means to reduce inflammation, support healthy cartilage, and boost collagen synthesis. One of the most popular and well-studied ingredients commonly found in joint supplements is MSM.

Contents

What it does

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organic sulfur-containing compound that is commonly used to support joint health, reduce inflammation, and boost immune function. It can be found under several other names including dimethyl sulfone, methyl sulfone, organic sulfur, and sulfonylbismethane.[1]

MSM has been noted to improve joint mobility and range of motion as well as help alleviate muscle aches, pain, and swelling. Tto top it off, MSM has even been used to accelerate recovery following intense exercise and combat seasonal allergies.[2][4]

How it works

MSM supplies the body with a highly bioavailable form of sulfur, which is used to synthesize methionine, one of only two sulfur-containing amino acids in the body.

Methionine is essential to many physiological processes including the formation of connective tissue, construction of proteins, and metabolization and absorption of nutrients from the food we eat. Additionally, MSM also modulates the immune system fortifying the body against oxidative stress and inflammation.

The pain-relief benefits of MSM come as a by-product of its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Dosing

Human studies consistently show that a daily dose of 3g MSM is needed to experience the lion’s share of benefits for reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis, joint pain, antioxidant protection, and soreness reduction.[4][5]

References

  1. Butawan M, Benjamin RL, Bloomer RJ. Methylsulfonylmethane: Applications and Safety of a Novel Dietary Supplement. Nutrients. 2017;9(3):290. Published 2017 Mar 16.
  2. Brien S, Prescott P, Lewith G. Meta-analysis of the related nutritional supplements dimethyl sulfoxide and methylsulfonylmethane in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:528403.
  3. Kalman D, Feldman S, Samson A, Krieger D. A Randomized Double Blind Placebo Controlled Evaluation of MSM for Exercise Induced Discomfort/Pain. FASEB J. 2013;27(1_Supplement):1076.7-.
  4. Peel S. et al. The Effects of MSM Supplementation on Knee Kinetics during Running, Muscle Strength, and Muscle Soreness following Eccentric Exercise- Induced Quadriceps Damage. Presented at American Society for Biomechanics Conference Aug, 2015.
  5. Pagonis TA, Givissis PK, Kritis AC, Christodoulou AC. The Effect of Methylsulfonylmethane on Osteoarthritic Large Joints and Mobility. International Journal of Orthopaedics 2014; 1(1): 19-24.