Supplements

Sulfur

Sulfur is an acid-forming mineral that is part of the chemical structure of the amino acids methionine, cysteine, taurine, and glutathione.

About 0.25% of our body weight is sulfur. It is most prevalent in the keratin of skin, hair, and nails. It is also found as a component of the anticoagulant heparin, and as chondroitin sulfate found in healthy bones and cartilage.

Sulfur is fundamental for the synthesis of collagen, which keeps the skin elastic and young-looking. It is used as a treatment for skin ailments such as eczema and other itchy skin conditions. It also aids oxidation reactions and protects the body against toxins which are increasingly present in our environment.

Arthritis sufferers can seek relief in 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 earlier study determined that taking sulfur baths raises the body's blood level of sulfur, in effect, acting as a supplement. While other research indicates that sulfur is a desensitizing agent for the pain and discomfort experienced by cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.

Recent research suggests the reported beneficial effects of garlic (such as lowering cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar) are at least partly due to the sulfur content.

Sulfur aids in the stimulation of bile secretion and aids in the necessary oxidation reactions in the body. Sulfur aids in digestive disorders, especially regurgitation of food, indigestion made worse by milk, and chronic diarrhea and vomiting in the morning.

Sulfur is used to ease the symptoms of rheumatism, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. It can also help acne, used as a topical antiseptic similar to benzoyl peroxide, but not as potent or irritating to the skin.

Sulfur may aid mental stress such as depression, irritability, forgetfulness, and disturbed sleep. It may also be beneficial for good eye health.

Sources: Meat, poultry, eggs and fish are the main sources of sulfur. Sulfur is also found in small amounts in biotin and thiamine. Other good sources include garlic, onions, brussel sprouts, asparagus, kale, and wheat germ. Sulfur is found in the amino acids of high protein foods. Garlic is particularly high in sulfur. Methylsufonylmethane (MSM) is a good source of sulfur.

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.

Dosage Ranges and Duration of Administration: To ease skin rashes, ointments, creams, lotions, and dusting powders containing sulfur as the active ingredient are available. Organic sulfur in the form of MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is available as a dietary supplement in tablets and capsules.

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

• 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