Science-Backed Benefits of MSM Supplements

What is MSM?

MSM is a natural compound. You can easily find it in fruits, vegetables, and grains. It is even present in our bodies. This sulfur-based nutrient supports the joints, helps reduce inflammation, and maintains the structure of cells and tissues.

Now, MSM works in many ways. And one major way is by reducing free radicals in the body. This reduces inflammation (and so can help the body heal and recover faster). The compound also increases how our bodies produce collagen (a protein that keeps the skin, joints, and connective tissues healthy).

As a supplement, MSM can come in a concentrated form. This is good for you if you don’t get enough MSM from your diet. The supplement form is also convenient and easy to use and effective for reducing inflammation and keeping the joint and skin healthy.

According to Dr. James Anderson, a Rheumatologist and Clinical Researcher

"Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) has shown promising results in reducing inflammation and improving joint comfort, making it a useful option for those managing arthritis or muscle soreness."

MSM for Joint Health

One of the most popular benefits of MSM is its positive effect on joint health. This is especially true for people who are struggling with arthritis. Because MSM can fight inflammation, it can bring some relief to irritated tissues and keep the cartilage healthy.

All these can reduce joint pain and keep the joint healthy in the long run. But it’s not just us that think so: there’s lots of science backing this claim.

For example, as seen in a 12-week randomized controlled trial published in the International Journal of Biomedical Science, MSM supplementation helped improve mobility and flexibility for individuals with chronic joint pain.

The people who took part in this trial reported that they felt more comfortable and could move easily with less pain as time went by.

This really highlights how effective MSM can be at supporting joint function and improving everyday movement.

Some research indicates that if taken with glucosamine and chondroitin, MSM offers more relief from stiffness and joint pain, especially for those with knee osteoarthritis, as compared to relying just on glucosamine and chondroitin.

A separate study in the International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology looked at MSM and boswellic acid next to glucosamine which is a well-known supplement for arthritis. Taking MSM and boswellic acid daily brought more noticeable relief of pain and better joint function than just glucosamine.

Furthermore, people who incorporated MSM and boswellic acid took fewer anti-inflammatory medications which may suggest that these natural products help tackle arthritis effects.

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Many people know MSM as a strong anti-inflammatory agent. So, if you’re privileged to use the best MSM supplement for you, it can reduce the inflammation happening in your body. And because it stops this inflammation, you’ll have a better chance at avoiding or fighting joint pain, muscle soreness, and even certain autoimmune disorders.

A study published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology explored how MSM affects oxidative stress. The study involved eighteen young men who took MSM daily for ten days before doing intense exercise. So what did the results say?

The results showed that MSM supplementation boosted glutathione levels (glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight inflammation and protect cells from damage).

The results from this experiment is strong evidence of how MSM can help reduce inflammation.

MSM for Muscle Recovery

For athletes and people who move around everyday, MSM supplements can offer some significant benefits in how their muscles recover.

As seen in The Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, MSM supplement can be very effective in reducing muscle soreness and for recovery. Here’s more details about the experiment.

In the study, eight men took either 1.5 grams or 3 grams of MSM pills every day for 30 days. At the end of the study, they saw that the men who took MSM for 30 days experienced much less muscle soreness after exercise. And the men who took the higher dose had even better results.

MSM was also shown to increase antioxidant capacity in the blood. And this is important for muscle recovery and reducing fatigue. This means that if you start using an MSM vitamin or supplement every day, you may be able to recover faster and have more muscle flexibility. It's considered one of the best joint supplements out there. Now you can work out more.

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MSM Improve Skin Health

MSM supplements help the body to make more collagen (a protein that keeps your skin firm and youthful). When we looked at a study published in The International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, we saw that participants who took 1g of MSM daily for 16 weeks had better skin texture and less face wrinkles.

Now, here’s where things become more interesting. People who took MSM at a higher dose of 3g/day showed even better skin improvement: Their skin were firmer, were more elastic, and felt more hydrated. The research even goes on to show how MSM may be able to help to manage skin conditions like acne and rosacea.

All these show that MSM is not for joint or muscle pain alone; you can use it for your skin, too. So, if you’re looking for a natural way to support joint health and brighter, healthier skin, you may benefit from MSM.

Help Relieve Allergy Symptoms

Methyl sulfonyl methane may also reduce the symptoms of allergy. This is mostly true for seasonal allergies like sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes.

We saw a randomized, double-blind study published in JMIR Research Protocols that explored the effects of MSM on participants with allergic rhinitis. The people who participated in the study used an MSM vitamin supplement for 14 days. After this period, about 53% of them said they no longer felt the allergy symptoms compared to a placebo group.

But how does MSM do this? Well, MSM was found to improve nasal airflow and reduce nasal congestion. This is because it can reduce inflammation in the body and regulate how the body releases histamine.

This study proves that MSM supplements could be a natural alternative to traditional OTC allergy medications. And to make things more interesting, it helps to relieve symptoms without the side effects commonly associated with antihistamines.

MSM Boost Immunity

MSM may also be able to help the immune system. A study in the Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research looked at how MSM could help reduce the oxidative stress caused by intense exercise.

The study involved 16 untrained men, who took MSM before doing strenuous exercise. The results showed that participants who used MSM supplements were under less stress and had higher plasma antioxidant capacity. This shows the ability of MSM to support immune function.

MSM also helps the immune system by boosting the production of MSM glutathione (a major antioxidant in the body that can defend the body against infections and illnesses).

MSM Effective Against Cancer

While still in the early stages, some research suggests that MSM supplement can help fight cancer.

There are various studies that show how MSM may inhibit the growth of various cancer cell lines (including breast, colon, and liver cancers). An MDPI Nutrients research mentions how MSM has demonstrated cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. It slowed down tumor progression and sometimes even killed the cancerous cells.

There’s also been animal studies that show that MSM can reduce tumor growth and improve how cancer cells behave. While more research is needed, these findings are promising.

So, in summary, AMethyl sulfonyl methane powder may offer extra protection against oxidative stress and inflammation (both linked to the development of cancer).

MSM Safety & Side Effects

Now that you’ve seen the many benefits of MSM, you may wonder whether it’s safe or not.

MSM is generally safe for most people at standard doses. However, as with any supplement, some people may experience mild side effects. This includes stomach upset, bloating, or diarrhea and is especially true for people just starting the supplement. The side effects usually reduce as the body adjusts.

If you want to reduce the chance of experiencing side effects, you should start with a low dose and increase it gradually. The typical MSM dosage per day ranges from 1,000 mg to 3,000 mg. But people can generally tolerate up to 4,000 mg (4 grams) daily.

That said, if you’re pregnant, nursing, or have a health condition, you should consult a healthcare provider before use.

How to Take MSM

Here’s how to take MSM supplements effectively (or consider trying JointXL Plus, which contains MSM):

• If you're new to MSM, start with a lower dosage (about 1,000 mg per day).
• Once your body gets accustomed to MSM, you can start taking the recommended dose of 2,000–3,000 mg per day.
• Take MSM with water or any non-acidic beverage for better absorption.
• Take MSM with meals to reduce the chances of digestive discomfort.
• For best results, take methyl sulfonyl methane consistently each day.
• Track how your body responds to adjust your dosage if needed.