BEYOND JOINT HEALTH: THE EFFECTS OF MSM ON DETOXIFICATION, SKIN HEALTH AND THE DIGESTIVE TRACT

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) has recently captured widespread interest for its extraordinary capabilities in enhancing joint health. Its effectiveness has even led to its adoption as a preventative measure against tendinopathies—conditions characterised by the breakdown of tendon collagen due to overuse or sudden stress, particularly prevalent among athletes. Research has demonstrated the diverse ways in which supplementing with MSM can serve as a powerful tool for improving the functional abilities of the joint.

This compound is naturally present in a wide array of foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, beer, port wine, coffee, tea, and certain types of algae. It is also found in small quantities in milk and other dairy products [5].

Despite being obtainable through the diet, the concentrations of MSM in food sources may not be sufficient to provide therapeutic effects for joint health and pain relief. In this article, we will explore the diverse health benefits of MSM that extend beyond its widely recognised properties for joint and muscle health.

MSM AND SKIN HEALTH

MSM is renowned for its abundant sulphur content, a vital mineral crucial for numerous bodily functions. In terms of skin health, sulphur influences the synthesis of the most abundant molecules in the skin’s structure: collagen, hyaluronic acid, and keratohyalin [8].

Excessive oxidative stress and the production of free radicals can be triggered by environmental factors like air pollution and UV radiation, as well as unhealthy lifestyle habits such as poor diet and excessive alcohol consumption. This oxidative damage can harm connective tissue and collagen, leading to noticeable signs of ageing like wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and inflammation. Oral MSM supplementation has been shown to impact skin at a genetic level, regulating specific genes linked to inflammation, skin barrier function, moisture retention, and structural integrity, all of which are associated with the ageing process [8].

A SECRET TOOL FOR HEALTHY AND STRONG HAIR

MSM is believed to enhance hair health by providing sulphur to keratin amino acids. In a 16-week, double-blind study, researchers examined the impact of oral MSM on the hair of 63 healthy middle-aged women. Assessments included expert clinical grading of hair shine, volume, trichoptilosis (split ends), and self-assessment by the subjects. The study revealed a significant increase in hair volume and improvement in hair shine among the treatment groups. Additionally, MSM appears to nourish the scalp and strengthen hair strands at the follicle level, resulting in thicker and healthier hair [1,2,8].

MSM SUPPORTS JOINT AND MUSCLE HEALTH AND RECOVERY

MSM is suggested to be an effective remedy for muscle soreness due to its anti-inflammatory effects and the potential contribution of sulphur to connective tissue health. Additionally, it helps in the production of synovial fluid, a thick liquid found between joints that cushions bone ends and reduces friction during movement [6].
Some people turn to MSM supplements to alleviate chronic articular or muscular pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, and lower back pain, as its anti-inflammatory properties may offer relief and enhance overall well-being.
After considering these benefits, it's no wonder that athletes and fitness enthusiasts frequently incorporate MSM supplements into their recovery regimen.

A DETOXIFICATION BOOST: MSM HELPS YOU GET RID OF WASTE SUBSTANCES

MSM is commonly linked to detoxification, once again, because of its sulphur content. Sulphur is crucial for the body's detox processes, particularly in producing glutathione, a potent antioxidant and detox agent. Glutathione plays a vital role in neutralising toxins and free radicals, helping the body eliminate them. Furthermore, MSM's anti-inflammatory properties might assist in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, thus supporting the body's detox pathways [5, 7].

ITS POTENTIAL FOR DIGESTIVE HEALTH

Studies indicate that MSM may protect the stomach's mucosal lining—a layer that coats the inside of the stomach—by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. This suggests its potential to relieve symptoms associated with digestive issues such as constipation, colitis, gastric ulcer, and other gastrointestinal disorders [3,4].

BOTTOM LINE

MSM offers numerous health benefits beyond its well-known properties for joint and muscle health. It plays a significant role in promoting skin health by influencing the synthesis of essential skin molecules and combating oxidative stress-induced ageing signs. Its benefits extend to hair health, digestive issues, and detoxification processes by nourishing the scalp, protecting the stomach lining, and supporting detox pathways through its sulphur content. Overall, MSM supplementation presents a holistic approach to improving overall well-being.

REFERENCES

[1] Adelman, M. J., Bedford, L. M. and Potts, G. A. (2020). Clinical efficacy of popular oral hair growth supplement ingredients. International Journal of Dermatology. doi:10.1111/ijd.15344

[2] Anthonavage, M., Benjamin, R. L. and Withee, E. D. (2015). Effects of oral supplementation with methylsulfonylmethane on skin health and wrinkle reduction. Nat. Med. J, 7(11), pp. 1-21.

[3] Amirshahrokhi, K. and Khalili, A. R. (2017). Methylsulfonylmethane is effective against gastric mucosal injury. European journal of pharmacology, 811, pp. 240-248.

[4] Bitar, V. A. L. and DRS, L. (2013). Methylsulfonylmethane and green tea extract reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in an ulcerative colitis. Asian J Pharm Clin Res, 6(2), pp. 153-158.

[5] Butawan M, Benjamin RL, Bloomer RJ. (2017). Methylsulfonylmethane: Applications and Safety of a Novel Dietary Supplement. Nutrients, 9(3):290. doi: 10.3390/nu9030290.

[6] Karvat, A. and Bagla, H. (2012). Correlation Studies on the Amount of Sulphur in Arthritic Joint Effusion and its Association with Modern and Traditional Medicinal System. International Journal of Drug Discovery and Herbal Research, 2(3), pp. 446-455.

[7] Kutanzi, K.R et al. (2020). Safety and Molecular-Toxicological Implications of Cannabidiol-Rich Cannabis Extract and Methylsulfonylmethane Co-Administration. Int. J. Mol. Sci, 21, 7808. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21207808

[8] Muizzuddin, N. and Benjamin, R. (2020). Beauty from within: Oral administration of a sulfur-containing supplement methylsulfonylmethane improves signs of skin ageing. International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research.