Msm Supplement Information

MSM is a naturally occurring sulfur compound found in fresh fruits and vegetables and in every cell of the human body. It's also marketed as a dietary supplement primarily to help treat joint pain and arthritis, although research results are mixed about its effectiveness. Nonetheless, MSM does show promise for fighting inflammation and helping to treat other health conditions.

Identification

Although scientists aren't entirely clear as to the role methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, plays in your body, sulfur compounds typically help build the proteins found in your hair, muscles and tissues. MSM is found in certain green plants and algae, fruits, vegetables and grains, but you destroy it by cooking and dehydration. Supplements take the form of tablets, liquids, capsules or powders, with a common dosage for arthritis and other joint conditions 2 to 6 g per day in divided doses.

Allergies

Researchers investigating MSM's potential to treat allergies published results from a 2002 study in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine." Fifty subjects were given 2,600 mg of MSM daily for 30 days. Afterward, their respiratory symptoms and energy levels were evaluated by a Seasonal Allergy Symptom Questionnaire, and they were given inflammation blood immunoglobulin and C-reactive protein tests. After the test period, respiratory function and energy levels were significantly improved with few side effects from the MSM.

Arthritis

A 2004 study in India tested a combination of glucosamine and MSM on 118 patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis for six months. The results, published in the journal "Clinical Drug Investigation" showed statistically significant improvements in pain and swelling and functional ability of joints, especially in a group given a combination of MSM and glucosamine, which performed better than either supplement alone. A clinical trial published in the journal "Osteoarthritis and Cartilage" in 2006 found that 3 g of MSM twice a day over 12 weeks resulted in a significant decrease in arthritic knee pain.

Cancer

MSM appears to have properties that may help delay the formation of tumors. Scientists investigating MSM's effects on cancer cell lines published results in the "Journal of Gastrointestinal Cancer" in May 2011 showing that MSM was able to kill gastrointestinal cancer cells in vitro.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition involving inflammation on the face with an unknown cause and no cure. Research published in the "Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology" in 2008 found that MSM combined with silymarin, an extract from the milk thistle plant, reduced skin redness, papules and itching in rosacea patients.