MSM (Organic Sulfur / Methylsulfonylmethane)
Briefly about MSM
- MSM contains sulfur which is needed to build up important amino acids in the body
- Helps the body to detoxify more effectively
- Bad nails, dry skin/hair, osteoarthritis can be a sign of sulfur deficiency
Learn more about MSM
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is an organic form of sulfur and thus a natural source of sulfur.
Sulfur constitutes 0.25% of our total body weight and is found in all tissues, mostly in proteins that contain abundant sulfur-containing amino acids such as methionine, cysteine, and cystine. These amino acids are part of many proteins in the body, such as collagen in fascia and keratin in hair, skin and nails.
Sulfur also acts as an antagonist to copper and several heavy metals. Many people today suffer from high levels of copper, for example, due to copper in intrauterine contraceptive devices and copper in drinking water. MSM can significantly help in clearing out copper, lead, cadmium, and mercury from the body.
What is MSM good for?
What is MSM good for?
Sulfur is necessary for building a healthy and well-functioning fascia, and simultaneous intake of vitamin C enhances the function of MSM, as vitamin C is also important for building strong collagen.
Sulfur is also involved in several macro molecules, such as chondroitin sulfate, which bind water and contribute to the formation of the fluid gel (the so-called ground substance in the fascia) that flows between collagen fibers and around every cell. MSM can be beneficial for individuals suffering from osteoarthritis, as joints, synovial fluid and joint cartilage etc. are built up by fascia.
Sulfur-containing amino acids are also needed to produce glutathione, the body’s most powerful antioxidant. Sulfur is also necessary for the function of B-vitamins such as thiamine and biotin.
Additionally, MSM strengthens the body’s overall detoxification capacity by softening and increasing the permeability of cell walls, allowing cells to more easily eliminate stored toxins and instead replenish with nutrients.
What can a lack of MSM mean?
A deficiency of sulfur (MSM) makes it difficult for the body to replace and repair damage in tissues and organs. Since sulfur is an important component in the structure of fascia, a deficiency can also lead to symptoms such as dry and itchy skin, joint problems, pain, inflammation, hair loss, and deteriorated hair and nail quality. A deficiency in sulfur can also indicate a low protein intake.
How do we ingest MSM?
Most of the sulfur we obtain from our diet comes from sulfur-containing proteins found naturally in foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products, as well as vegetables like onions, beans, peas, and cabbage.
As a supplement, sulfur can be obtained through MSM. An optimal dosage is typically around 1000-3000 mg per day, and it is important to gradually increase the dosage to avoid potential issues with loose stools or gastrointestinal discomfort.