Generality
Methylsulfonylmethane or more simply MSM is an organosulfide, an organic compound containing sulfur, identified by the brute formula (CH 3 ) 2 SO 2 .
It represents the oxidized form of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), also used as a sulfur supplement for its putative effects in the conservative treatment of arthrosis (once ingested, the DMSO is converted into MSM).
MSM is naturally present in various plant-based foods and in the Equisetum plant.
Food sources of sulfur are protein foods, especially if rich in sulfur amino acids, onion, garlic, seeds, walnuts, vegetables of the Crucifera family (Brassicaceae), egg yolk and the so-called sulfur waters. The necessary sulfur intake is guaranteed by an adequate supply of proteins.
Due to its chemical properties and some biological potential, MSM is now used in the common supplementary practice.
Indications
Why is MSM used? What is it for?
The nutraceutical properties of methylsulfonylmethane derive from its sulfur content in a bioavailable form, thanks to the presence of an organic component that facilitates its absorption.
Therefore, knowing the functions of sulfur within the human organism, and evaluating the possible deficiency conditions, it is possible to critically analyze the usefulness of a specific integration of MSM.
Sulfur is an essential component of living cells and represents the seventh or eighth most abundant element in the human body in terms of weight, comparable in this sense to potassium and slightly more abundant than sodium and chlorine.
In an adult organism of 70 Kg we find about 140 grams of sulfur, concentrated above all:
- in muscle proteins, in particular in sulfur amino acids (cysteine, cystine, methionine, taurine, homocysteine)
- in some coenzymes (eg glutathione, alpha lipoic acid, coenzyme A)
- in some hormones (eg insulin)
- in some complex lipids (glycophospholipids of nervous tissue)
- in some vitamins (thiamine and biotin)
- in some polysaccharides (it is present in glycosaminoglycans, such as chondroitin sulfate of articular cartilage).
Disulfidic bonds (SS) are extremely important in protein structures, to which they confer tenacity and rigidity. Not surprisingly, sulfur amino acids and sulfur are a typical ingredient of supplements for hair growth. Even the sheep increases the production of wool when its diet is enriched with sulfur amino acids.
For these reasons the MSM finds room for:
- anti-inflammatory properties
- chondroprotectic properties: thanks to the stimulus on the articular cartilage synthesis it is believed that the integration of methylsulfonylmethane can contribute to reducing joint pain and inflammation, increasing the mobility of the arthrosic joint and inhibiting further cartilage damage
- increase the trophism of skin and hair
- promote wound healing
- normalize gastro-intestinal functions
In recent years the MSM would also seem to carry out an anticancer activity, however not yet confirmed by clinical studies.
Property and Effectiveness
What benefits has MSM shown during the studies?
The studies currently published on the MSM mostly refer to in vitro models or small laboratory animals.
From the few clinical trials, moreover not unanimous, the MSM would seem useful in:
- Protect the muscle from the damaging action of oxygen free radicals during particularly intense training sessions;
- Reduce joint pain during gonarthrosis;
- Improve joint mobility during knee osteoarthritis;
- Delaying joint complications during inflammatory diseases.
Among all these properties, the most studied is Methylsulfonylmethane as a synchroprotor ingredient synergistic with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. In this regard, it is believed that - in addition to the possible stimulus on the synthesis of articular cartilage - Methylsulfonylmethane can act by helping to stabilize cell membranes, slow down or stop the loss of damaged cells and neutralize free radicals that trigger inflammation.
Consulting a meta-analysis and a review of the few studies available in the literature (1, 2), and analyzing a more recent study (3), it is possible to state that methylsulfonylmethane appears useful in the treatment of osteoarthritis; however the benefits appear to be modest and further studies on a large scale and for long periods are necessary to establish whether the compound actually has a clinical utility, whether it is completely safe and at what optimal dose should be taken.
Doses and method of use
How to use the MSM
Although there is no standard therapeutic scheme, MSM is taken at doses of 1-3 grams per day in the treatment and prevention of osteoarthritis, possibly divided into 2-3 daily intakes concomitantly with meals, never before going to bed, for at least three months.
Side effects
Although rarely at the recommended dosages, the use of MSM could cause the onset of nausea, diarrhea and migraine.
Contraindications
When should MSM not be used?
The use of MSM is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the active ingredient.
Pharmacological Interactions
Which drugs or foods can modify the effect of MSM?
There are currently no known pharmacological interactions between MSM, foods or active ingredients.
Precautions for use
What do you need to know before taking the MSM?
Given the lack of studies on this subject, the use of MSM should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
- Meta-Analysis of the Related Nutritional Supplements Dimethyl Sulfoxide and Methylsulfonylmethane in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee Sarah Brien, Phil Prescott, George Lewith Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011; 2011: 528403. Published online 2011 February 17. doi: 10.1093 / ecam / nep045
- Osteoarthritis and nutrition. From nutraceuticals to functional foods: a systematic review of the scientific evidence Laurent G Ameye, Winnie SS Chee Arthritis Res Ther. 2006; 8 (4): R127. Published online 2006 July 19. doi: 10.1186 / ar2016
- Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane supplementation on osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled study 11: 50. Published online 2011 June 27. doi: 10.1186 / 1472-6882-11-50
