A long-recognized joint health nutrient, MSM is chemically known as methylsulfonylmethane, a naturally occurring sulfur compound found in the bodies of humans and all other vertebrates.
OptiMSM® was introduced to the market by Bergstrom Nutrition, the leading US manufacturer of MSM, in 1989. Bergstrom operates the only dedicated NPA GMP-certified MSM production facility in the world, exceeding industry standards for optimal purity and product consistency. Their proprietary OptiMSM® is the only MSM backed by U.S. published clinical research and has been clinically shown to reduce inflammation and protect articular cartilage.
MSM helps support healthy joint function. A number of medical studies over the years have indicated that sulfur levels in arthritic joints are lower than normal. In order to remain flexible and healthy, cartilage, joints, and synovial fluid need sulfur-containing compounds. MSM supplies the body with organic sulfur that helps maintain the integrity of the cartilage within the joints.
Sulfur is the eighth most abundant element in the human body. It plays an important role in the formation of all tissues, especially those highest in protein, such as red blood cells, muscles, skin, and hair. Sulfur is a major ingredient of important amino acids. The building blocks of proteins. Proteins are the primary constituents of all bodily components including enzymes, hormones, and antibodies.
Sulfur is a necessary element in the diet of humans and lower animals. More than just a raw material, it contributes to the process of life. It is involved in the building of bodily substance. It helps to generate the energy that sustains physical activity. It neutralizes oxidants and toxins that can destroy health from within.
Unlike other key minerals that are frequently deficient in the Western diet, there are no recognized intake standards for sulfur. The National Academy of Sciences. The body responsible for listing recommended daily allowance for many vitamins and minerals does not mention a minimum daily requirement for sulfur. This reasoning maybe anchored in the widespread assumption that a person's sulfur requirement is met when protein intake is adequate.
Therapeutic use of MSM as a nutritional supplement was introduced by the scientists at Oregon Health Sciences University where it has now been studied for more than two decades.
Individuals taking MSM as a nutritional supplement frequently experience a normalization of bowel function with relief of mild, occasional constipation. They will experience a lessening of scar tissue, softer skin, thicker hair, less brittle nails, and experience an increase in energy levels.
Over the years, thousands of patients have experienced healing benefits by taking 2 to 8 grams (2,000 to 8,ooo milligrams) of MSM a day.
For general maintenance and health, a daily dosage of approximately 2 grams (2,ooo milligrams) is recommended. Many patients require larger dosages to maintain health. If larger dosages are used, the target amount should be increased slowly over a period of several weeks. Most people supplementing with MSM should take it with breakfast and lunch. Avoid taking large dosages prior to bedtime because MSM increases energy levels.
MSM contains 60 capsules, each capsule contains 1000mg. As a dietary supplement, take 2-4 capsules daily (2000-4000mg) with meals for general health maintenance, or as directed by your health care professional.
When introducing MSM into the diet for the first time, one should start with small amounts. If too much MSM is introduced too soon, minor gastrointestinal discomfort or more frequent stools may develop. If this occurs, the dosage of MSM should be reduced.
Higher doses are typically necessary to experience therapeutic effects. A person suffering multiple allergic symptoms during pollen season may require more than 8 grams of MSM per day. Those with deep-seated conditions will often need even higher doses to experience relief. Under a physician? care, a patient can experiment with higher levels of MSM for deep-seated conditions.
In long-term toxicity trials MSM showed no toxic effects with oral doses equivalent of 2.2 pounds (1 pound equals approximately 500 grams) for a person weighing 150 pounds. Most people take from 2 to 8 grams total daily as a dietary supplement. MSM is rated as one of the least toxic substances in biology and medicine, comparable to water.
MSM should not be confused with sulfites. MSM is a sulfur compound but not a sulfite. So the over half-million people in the United States who are sulfite-sensitive should not worry about allergic reactions to MSM.
There are no documented interactions of this nutritional supplement with prescriptive agents. It should be noted, however, that MSM may have an aspirin-like effect on blood platelet aggregation.
Patients taking high doses of blood-thinning medication such as aspirin, heparin or dicumarol may require a lower dose of these three substances and should consult with their physicians before using MSM as a nutritional supplement.
