Supplements

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)

Methylsulfonylmethane or MSM, (also known as dimethylfulfone) is a naturally occurring organic sulfur compound found in plant and animal tissues that is essential for optimum health. It is a derivative of DMSO (dimethysulfoxide).

Recognized as a "macromineral," it is found in significant amounts (>5 g) in the body. About 0.25% of our body weight is sulfur. It is most prevalent in the keratin of skin, hair, and nails.

Known as "nature's beauty mineral," it is fundamental for the synthesis of collagen, which keeps the skin elastic and young-looking. Today, it is primarily used as a treatment for skin ailments such as eczema and other itchy skin conditions. MSM helps to nourish the hair, skin and nails. MSM can help acne sufferers when used as a topical antiseptic similar to benzoyl peroxide, but is not as potent or irritating to the skin.

MSM is used to ease the red, itchy rash of eczema, candidiasis, dry scalp, diaper rash, hemorrhoids, and similar conditions.

It aids in digestive disorders, especially regurgitation of food, indigestion made worse by milk, and chronic diarrhea and vomiting in the morning.

It is also used to ease the symptoms of rheumatism, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis sufferers seek therapeutic sulfur hot springs to benefit from their pain-reducing effect, whether it be solely through the sulfur content, or through some action of other minerals. A 1992 Russian study determined that sulfur baths significantly lowered the pain sensitivity of patients with rheumatic diseases. An early study determined that taking sulfur baths raises the body's blood level of sulfur, in effect acting as a supplement.

MSM may aid mental stress such as depression, irritability, forgetfulness, disturbed sleep, and can help gynecological complaints such as PMS and menopausal symptoms.

It is reported to reduce reaction to radiation therapy used in cancer treatment, while other research indicates that sulfur is a desensitizing agent for the pain and discomfort experienced by cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.

Sources: Because sulfur is a constituent of the amino acids cystine, cysteine, and methionine, it is found in protein-rich foods such as meat, organ meats, poultry, fish, eggs, cooked dried beans and peas, and milk and milk products. Other good sources include garlic, onions, brussels sprouts, asparagus, kale, and wheat germ.

Precautions: No toxicity symptoms have been reported for elemental sulfur specifically since all excesses are excreted. However, some people are highly allergic to relatives of sulfur such as sulfites and sulfa drugs. Sulfites, sulfur-containing food preservatives, can trigger asthma and other allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. The major side effect of sulfa drugs is hypoglycemia, although other reactions include skin rashes, headache, fever, fatigue, and gastric distress. Sulfur-sensitive patients should avoid these drugs.

Regarding sulfa drugs: Do not use during long-term corticosteroid use or pregnancy.

Persons who are allergic to various sulfur containing compounds such as sulfites, sulfates, and sulfa drugs should probably avoid sulfur supplements as a precaution.

Use sulfa drugs with caution in those who are elderly, alcoholic, or have impaired kidney or liver function.

Dosage Ranges and Duration of Administration: There is no specific RDA established for sulfur. It is thought that approximately 850 mg/day is needed, considering the daily turnover of sulfur in the body.

For arthritis patients, 500 to 1,000 mg/day is the pharmacologic dosage range.

INTERACTIONS

No clinically significant interactions between sulfur and conventional medications are known to have been reported in the literature to date.