Methyl - sulfonyl - methane (MSM)
Applications and Safety of a Novel Dietary Supplement
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) has become a popular dietary supplement used for a variety of purposes, including its most common use as an anti-inflammatory agent.
It has been well investigated in animal models, as well as in human clinical trials and experiments.
Initial evidence is available regarding the dose of MSM needed to provide benefit, although additional work is underway to determine the precise dose and time course of treatment needed to provide optimal benefits.
As a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) approved substance,
MSM is well-tolerated by most individuals at dosages of up to four grams daily, with few known and mild side effects.
This review provides an overview of MSM, with details regarding its common uses and applications as a dietary supplement, as well as its safety for consumption.
Mechanisms of Actions:
Due to its enhanced ability to penetrate membranes and permeate throughout the body, the full mechanistic function of MSM may involve a collection of cell types and is therefore difficult to elucidate. Results from in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that MSM operates at the crosstalk of inflammation and oxidative stress at the transcriptional and subcellular levels. Due to the small size of this organosulfur compound, distinguishing between direct and indirect effects is problematic. In the sections to follow, an attempt will be made to describe each mechanism within a focused scope.
- Anti-Inflammation
- Antioxidant/Free-Radical Scavenging
- Immune Modulation
- Sulfur Donor/Methylation
Common Uses:
As a therapeutic agent, MSM utilizes its unique penetrability properties to alter physiological effects at the cellular and tissue levels. Furthermore, MSM has the ability to act as a carrier or co-transporter for other therapeutic agents, even furthering its potential applications.
- Arthritis and Inflammation
- Cartilage Preservation
- Improve Range of Motion and Physical Function
- To Reduce Muscle Soreness Associated with Exercise
- Reduce Oxidative Stress
- Improve Seasonal Allergies
- Improve Skin Quality and Texture
Story Source:
Methylsulfonylmethane: Applications and Safety of a Novel Dietary Supplement Nutrients 2017, 9(3), 290; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9030290