Methylsulfonylmethane, Msm or organic sulphur is the fourth most abundant mineral in our body. All the properties, contraindications and methods of intake.
Also known as the beauty mineral or organic sulphur, methylsulfonylmethane, known by the acronym Msm, is an element essential to life, present in every cell of all living beings. We find it in muscle proteins, more precisely in sulphur-containing amino acids, in certain coenzymes, hormones, a few vitamins and complex fats. The body is unable to synthesise it, however, so it is essential to supplement it through diet in order to meet normal daily requirements.
Foods rich in organic sulphur include milk, dairy products in general, fruit and vegetables, especially cauliflower, broccoli, white or red cabbage, rocket, onion and savoy cabbage. Egg yolk is rich in it, as are proteins in general such as meat, fish and, finally, coffee. We should bear in mind, however, that a large proportion is destroyed during cooking. A good amount of bioavailable sulphur can also be found in horsetail, a plant frequently used in the herbal sector.
Msm is of considerable help to people with forms of arthritis or osteoarthritis problems of the knee and arthrosis in general, where it is necessary to reduce the level of inflammation, swelling and pain. Methylsulfonylmethane makes the cell wall more permeable, allowing a better exchange between waste products and nutrients within the cell, thus preventing unnecessary accumulations and inflammatory processes.
It can in fact be an excellent alternative to conventional drugs, having no contraindications even for extended periods of intake. The only precaution concerns women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, even though there are no studies advising against its use.
It is an important aid in cases of cartilage degeneration, acting as a stimulator of cartilage synthesis itself, reducing pain and restoring greater joint mobility.
It is useful in cases of ligament injuries or tendon problems and in situations of muscular overload. Indeed, it acts effectively on fatigued muscles and cramps, reducing the spasmodic activity that causes pain. Many athletes regularly supplement with Msm after intense physical activity.
Recent studies have shown that its intake increases glutathione production in the liver, improving its antioxidant and detoxifying functions.
Furthermore, Msm is necessary for the formation of connective tissue and is a fundamental constituent of the keratin found in nails and hair, helping to stimulate their growth and make them strong and shiny.
It promotes the restoration of skin tissue in cases of skin problems and helps to make it softer and more radiant.
Also noteworthy is its anti-allergic function, acting as a barrier to allergenic elements that will be eliminated from the cell — rendered more permeable by Msm — more quickly and more effectively.
There are Msm supplements with high bioavailability and excellent quality available on the market. To enhance the pain-relieving effect, it can be found combined with glucosamine, another substance that supports cartilage. If we want to boost the antioxidant effect, on the other hand, we can take it combined with coenzyme Q10 and vitamin C.