Generality
Methylsulfonylmethane or more simply MSM is an organosulfide, an organic compound containing sulfur, identified by the brute formula (CH3) 2SO2.
It represents the oxidized form of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), also used as a sulfur supplement due to its putative effects in the conservative treatment of osteoarthritis (once ingested, DMSO is converted into MSM).
MSM is naturally present in various foods of plant origin and in the Equisetum plant.
Food sources of sulfur are protein foods, especially if rich in sulfur amino acids, onion, garlic, seeds, nuts, vegetables of the Cruciferous family (Brassicaceae), egg yolk and the so-called sulphured waters. The necessary supply of sulfur is guaranteed by an adequate supply of proteins.
Due to its chemical properties and some biological potential, MSM is now used in common integrative practice.
Indications
Why is MSM used? What is it for?
The nutraceutical properties of methylsulfonylmethane derive from its sulfur content in bioavailable form, thanks to the presence of an organic component that facilitates its absorption.
Therefore, knowing the functions of sulfur inside the human organism, and evaluating its possible deficiency conditions, it is possible to critically analyze the usefulness of a specific MSM integration.
Sulfur is an essential component of living cells and represents the seventh or eighth most abundant element in the human organism in terms of weight, comparable in this sense to potassium and slightly more abundant than sodium and chlorine.
In an adult organism weighing 70 kg we find about 140 grams of sulfur, mainly concentrated:
- in muscle proteins, in particular in sulfur amino acids (cysteine, cystine, methionine, taurine, homocysteine)
- in some coenzymes (e.g. glutathione, alpha lipoic acid, coenzyme A)
- in some hormones (e.g. insulin)
- in some complex lipids (glycophospholipids of the nervous tissue)
- in some vitamins (thiamin and biotin)
- in some polysaccharides (it is present in glycosaminoglycans, such as chondroitin sulfate of the joint cartilage).
Disulfide bonds (S-S) are extremely important in protein structures, to which they confer toughness and rigidity. Not surprisingly, sulfur amino acids and sulfur are a typical ingredient in hair growth supplements. Sheep also increases wool production when its diet is enriched with sulfur amino acids.
For these reasons the MSM finds space for:
- the anti-inflammatory properties
- the chondroprotective properties: thanks to the stimulus on the synthesis of the articular cartilage it is believed that the integration of methylsulfonylmethane can help reduce pain and joint inflammation, increasing the mobility of the arthritic joint and inhibiting further cartilage damage
- increase the trophism of skin and hair
- promote wound healing
- normalize gastrointestinal functions
In recent years, MSM seems to also carry out an anti-cancer activity, however not yet confirmed by clinical studies.
Properties and Effectiveness
What benefits has MSM shown during the studies?
The studies currently published on MSM mostly refer to in vitro models or small laboratory mice.
From the few clinical trials, however not unanimous, 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 in knee osteoarthritis;
- Delay joint complications in inflammatory pathologies.
Among all these properties, the most studied one sees methylsulfonylmethane as a synergistic chondroprotective ingredient with glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate. 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 the free radicals that trigger inflammation.
By consulting a meta-analysis and a review of the few studies available in the literature, and analyzing a more recent study, it is possible to state that methylsulfonylmethane appears useful in the treatment of osteoarthritis; however, the benefits appear modest and further studies on a large scale and for long periods are necessary to determine whether the compound is actually of clinical utility, whether it is entirely safe and at what optimal dose it should be taken.
Dosage and method of use
How to use the MSM
Although there is no standard therapeutic scheme, in the treatment and prevention of "osteoarthritis" MSM is taken at doses of 1-3 grams per day, possibly divided into 2-3 daily intakes concurrently with meals, never before bedtime, to 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
What drugs or foods can modify the effect of MSM?
There are currently no notable drug interactions between MSM, foods or active ingredients.
Precautions for use
What do you need to know before taking MSM?
Given the lack of studies on this, 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: R127. Published online 2006 July 19. doi: 10.1186 / ar2016
- Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane supplementation on osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled study Eytan M Debbi, Gabriel Agar, Gil Fichman, Yaron Bar Ziv, Rami Kardosh, Nahum Halperin, Avi Elbaz, Yiftah Beer, Ronen Debi BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011; 11: 50. Published online 2011 June 27. doi: 10.1186 / 1472-6882-11-50
