Benefits of MSM bridge the age gap

MSM is commonly used unsurprisingly, as the shortened form of Methylsulfonylmethane.  MSM has numerous benefits for both the elderly due to being anti-inflammatory.

And for sportsmen and women since it protects muscles and speeds recovery after exercise.

The picture above describes this difference in vivid fashion.

MSM is found in plants, animals and humans and is a natural sulfur-containing compound.  A white crystalline solid at room temperature, as well as being organic.

MSM is widely used by people looking for a natural, anti-inflammatory way to relieve aches & pains especially in joints see HERE a study on its effects on a population with joint degeneration.

It is widely regarded as anti-inflammatory see HERE a study on mice. 

And it boosts immunity and the immune system too, see a study on its effect on inflammation following exercise HERE.

All of which explains why we put MSM in sense* for joint & bone. 

As well as these studied benefits, research also supports its use in treating a number of conditions.

From arthritis to rosacea to protecting muscles after exercise, as we will examine below.

MSM anti-inflammatory benefit to aches & pains

Benefits of MSM: Osteoarthritis

A review that took place in 2008 of two small trials of MSM in osteoarthritis (OA) knee pain relief “reported significant improvement in pain outcomes in the treatment group”.

However the review authors drew attention to perceived issues with the protocols used.

Subsequent to this 2008 review there have been other clinical trials:

  • One was a double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial. It had 49 participants taking 1.125g of MSM or a placebo three times daily for 12 weeks. The results showed a significant improvement in physical function as well as improvement in recognised pain scores.  
  • The second used 6.0 g/day versus placebo for 26 weeks. Again subjects showed significant improved physical function. The MSM group also showed a strong trend towards changes in disease status. 

Additionally, it can enhance the effectiveness of other common supplements used to treat arthritis such as glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate and boswellic acid.

This was one of the reasons that we included Boswellia in sense* for joint & bone.

What’s more, the people who received the MSM and boswellic acid supplement were less dependent on anti-inflammatory medications than the glucosamine group see HERE.

Benefits of MSM: Reduces Joint Pain

One of the most popular benefits of MSM is to decrease joint or muscle pain. It benefits those people with joint degeneration, a common cause of pain in the knees, back, hands and hips.

Joint degeneration can negatively impact your quality of life by limiting your movement and mobility.

Studies have shown that MSM significantly reduces inflammation in your body.  It also inhibits the breakdown of cartilage, a flexible tissue that protects the ends of your bones in joints see HERE.

Benefits of MSM: Promotes anti-oxidative effects

The generation of free radicals due to oxidation is one of the primary causes of disease.  Anti-oxidative substances combat free radicals. Whilst MSM has no direct link as an antioxidant.  MSM promotes the production of glutathione which is a really powerful anti-oxidant.

It has also been shown to protect muscles from damage by reducing the amount of oxidative stress damage incurred through exercise see HERE.

Benefits of MSM: Systemic Anti-inflammatory Effects

As shown above, the anti-inflammatory properties of MSM are well documented by scientific research. Helping people to deal with aches and pains.  But as well as acute inflammation it helps chronic inflammation too.

It’s believed that MSM inhibits a certain protein complex involved in inflammatory responses in your body see HERE.

It also reduces the production of cytokines which are signalling proteins linked to systemic inflammation see HERE.

Benefits of MSM: MSM protects against muscle damage and speeds recovery

MSM can naturally speed muscle recovery after intense exercise by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress as we have shown above.

A study in 18 men showed that taking 50 mg of MSM powder per kg of body weight for 10 days significantly reduced exercise-induced muscle damage.  It also increased antioxidant activity following an 8.7 mile (14 km) run see HERE.

It may also be beneficial for reducing pain after prolonged exercise.

In one study, 22 healthy women received 3 grams of MSM or a placebo per day for three weeks leading up to a half marathon. The MSM group reported less muscle soreness and joint pain than the placebo group see HERE.

Another study found that athletic men taking 3 grams of MSM daily for two weeks had lower levels of IL-6 and less muscle pain after intense resistance exercise see HERE .

Benefits of MSM: Relieves Cytokine Response and Allergy Symptoms by reducing inflammation

The body releases many inflammatory substances after exposure to an allergen including cytokines.  This leads to unpleasant symptoms.

Studies have shown that MSM may be effective in reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis which affects millions of people.  It may decrease allergic reactions by lowering inflammation and inhibiting the release of cytokines, see HERE.

A study in 50 people with allergic rhinitis found that a dose of 2,600 mg of MSM per day over 30 days reduced symptoms. These included itching, congestion, shortness of breath, sneezing and coughing see HERE .

Benefits of MSM: How MSM Increases Immunity and the Response to Infectious Stimulus

MSM improves immune function markers. A study has found an improved response to an infectious stimulus. Following blood samples taken after bouts of exhaustive exercise. This indicates that MSM protects against stress-induced suppression of the immune system.

Additionally, it plays a part in the creation of glutathione.  Glutathione is your body’s master antioxidant. MSM may also help increase levels of this important compound.

Having adequate levels of glutathione is crucial for the overall health and function of your immune system see HERE .

Sulfur compounds such as MSM also play important roles in the health of your immune system see HERE.