Lack of Sulphur and Vitamin C

Fascia has different strength and consistency depending on which type of collagen, and its quantity, the tissue contains. Collagen is a proteins that can form thinner or stronger fibers by twisting the protein molecules around each other, like a rope. Different types of collagen produce various strong fibers. In order for the fibers to become stable, (avoid a sloppy fascia) there have to be cross-links between the protein molecules, to stabilize the fibers. To form these cross-links, vitamin C is needed.

Back in the days, people suffering from extreme vitamin C deficiency suffer from scurvy (for example sailors and people in general, during the winter before the arrival of the potato, when it was difficult to get enough vitamin C). The body then simply collapses as the collagen fibers cannot get any stability, resulting in defective connective tissue and internal bleeding.

Sulphur is needed to keep the fascia elastic and healthy. This mineral is part of several of the components needed in the liquid part of the fascia, the so-called ground substance. For example an substance called chondroitin sulphate contains sulphur. The ground substance is critical for the function of the fascia, that the flow works without impairment.

It has been shown that many people with chronic pain and stiffness do very well with a supplement of organic sulphur, so-called MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane).

We may need large amounts of vitamin C for a full recovery and growth of connective tissue. When taking supplements of MSM, vitamin C should be taken simultaneously for best possible absorption. The recommendations for RDA are based on how much you should take in at the least to avoid deficiency diseases, not how much we should eat to be healthy.