How does MSM work for pain relief, inflammation and allergy symptoms?

MSM stands for methylsulfonylmethane, a sulfur-containing compound that occurs naturally in the bodies of humans and many animals. It is also absorbed through food and enters the bloodstream from the intestines.

However, it is not always possible to meet the body's natural requirements through diet alone. Due to its versatile properties, however, it is important to ensure an adequate supply, because MSM

• plays an essential role in the formation of ligaments, tendons, bones, and joints [1] [2] [3]
• strengthens the immune system, [4] [5]
• can help reduce allergic symptoms, [6] [7]
• supports the nervous system and promotes concentration, and [8]
• has a pain-relieving effect. [9]

For this reason, an additional supplement, e.g. in the form of capsules, may be worthwhile, especially since MSM also has numerous advantages as a supplement:

• wide range of applications
• powerful effects
• few side effects [10]
• high-dose preparation from Vitaminexpress

Why is an adequate supply of sulfur so important for us?

Sulfur performs many important functions in our body, but cannot be produced by the body itself. For this reason, you should always ensure an adequate supply from external sources. For example, sulfur is:

• a component of amino acids and enzymes
• essential for supporting and connective tissue (e.g., cartilage)
• involved in the production of hormones (e.g., insulin)
• important for the formation of hair, nails, and connective tissue
• part of energy metabolism
• involved in detoxification of the body
• important for the immune system
• involved in blood clotting (part of heparin) [11]

How MSM supports health and well-being

Medical professionals attribute many effects on well-being and health to MSM. Typical areas of application for MSM include:

• Bone/joint problems, e.g., osteoarthritis/sports injuries [1] [2] [3]
• Allergies [6] [7]
• Strengthening the immune system [4] [5]
• Inflammation and oxidative stress [10] [12]
• Pain (especially headaches) [9]
• Gastrointestinal problems (especially heartburn) [13]
• Care (anti-aging) of skin, hair, and nails [14]

When purchasing an MSM product, always ensure that it contains a sufficiently high dosage and is of good quality.

You can take advantage of these positive properties of MSM

MSM is primarily valued for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which you can take advantage of in many ways. [10] [12] This allows you to improve your well-being and do something good for your health, throughout your entire body. This is because MSM

• improves the effect of pain-relieving hormones (e.g., cortisone) by facilitating their penetration into the cells (thanks to increased membrane permeability),
• is said to have a decongestant effect, and promotes blood circulation and nutrient supply to the tissues. [8] [5]

Some pain patients were able to reduce their pain medication in consultation with their doctor by taking MSM. [15] MSM also supports the regeneration of cartilage and tendons. [3] 

Promote strong joints and reduce pain with MSM

Sulfur is an important component of cartilage, tendons, and joints. With a sufficient supply, you not only increase your mobility, but your musculoskeletal system also becomes more resilient and pain is alleviated. Scientists attribute this to the following effects. MSM

• reduces cartilage degradation
• supports cartilage regeneration
• promotes bone growth
• promotes blood circulation
• strengthens tendons

These effects are also used in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Overall, this means that MSM can help support your joints, reduce pain, and maintain your mobility. [1] [2] [3] 

MSM as a natural anti-allergenic

There is growing evidence that MSM can have a beneficial effect on the course of allergies. This effect has been best studied in pollen allergy (allergic rhinitis). Symptoms can be significantly alleviated if MSM is used for long enough.

MSM appears to be able to influence the immune system in such a way that an excessive reaction is milder or, ideally, does not occur at all. Scientists believe that this effect could work for a whole range of allergies. [6] [7] 

MSM can have this positive effect on skin, hair, and nails

The appearance of the skin is particularly important to many people, and not just for aesthetic reasons. After all, the skin is also considered a mirror of health and the soul. Studies have shown that MSM can improve the appearance of the skin in the long term for various skin problems. MSM can also have a beneficial effect on hair and nails. [14] 

MSM can have this positive effect on your skin barrier

A damaged skin barrier is not only the cause of dry and irritated skin, but also the root cause of numerous skin diseases, either completely or in part. In neurodermatitis, for example, the skin barrier is damaged and therefore does not provide adequate protection against the environment. [16] 

MSM is known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and also nourishes the skin. And well-nourished skin is particularly important when the skin barrier is impaired. Another effect: MSM helps active ingredients applied to the skin to penetrate more quickly. [1] [14] 

MSM as a valuable supplement for competitive athletes

Supporting the regeneration of bones, cartilage, and tendons—this effect of MSM has been known for some time. Today, we know that the sulfur-containing compound also supports muscle regeneration. This is interesting not only for competitive athletes, but also for recreational athletes.

MSM improves muscle regeneration

MSM promotes the healing of microscopic injuries to muscle cells and promotes the excretion of lactic acid. Both micro-injuries and hyperacidity are causes of muscle soreness. This means that athletes are able to actively participate in competitions again more quickly. [17] [18] 

MSM has a positive effect on sports injuries

MSM is not only good for recovery after exercise. It can also have a positive effect on healing after sports injuries, e.g.:

• Bruises
• Sprains
• Torn ligaments
• Strains

The sulfur-containing compound has also proven effective against muscle and joint pain. In this context, MSM appears to

• relieve pain
• inhibit inflammation
• counteract swelling
• build up damaged cartilage [19]

Use for acute and chronic stomach and intestinal problems

MSM can help alleviate some stomach and intestinal problems. It has the ability to help restore damaged mucous membranes, such as those found in leaky gut syndrome. Here, MSM can alleviate the symptoms of those affected. [20] 

Research is currently being conducted to determine the extent to which the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of MSM can help prevent damage to the intestines and help people with chronic inflammatory bowel disease. [1] However, the effect of MSM has already been well studied, particularly against heartburn and flatulence. [21] 

MSM for heartburn

When too much acid accumulates in the gastrointestinal tract, typical symptoms such as occasional heartburn occur. However, flatulence can also be a sign of hyperacidity. According to studies, MSM can quickly and sustainably relieve these unpleasant symptoms. Unlike prescription medications (especially acid blockers or antacids), it has virtually no side effects, even when used daily. [21] 

How MSM can support your body if you have diabetes

Insulin is the hormone responsible for lowering blood sugar after a meal. Like many other hormones, it contains sulfur. This means that a sulfur deficiency can impair insulin production.

Another theory suggests that too little sulfur impairs the absorption of blood sugar into the cells by making the cell membranes more impermeable. This allows more sugar to remain in the bloodstream.

Several studies have shown that MSM has a beneficial effect on blood sugar levels and is well suited for the supportive treatment of diabetes. [22] 

Does MSM play a role in cancer prevention?

Although no conclusive results are available yet, initial studies suggest that MSM has a certain protective effect against certain types of cancer. Researchers are cautiously optimistic in relation to the development of

• breast cancer
• colon cancer
• skin cancer (melanoma)

Important note: Cancer should always be treated by an experienced doctor. However, animal studies provide encouraging evidence that MSM can significantly prolong the development of breast cancer in particular, but also colon cancer. [23] [24] [25] 

What is the daily requirement for MSM?

MSM should be taken daily, starting with a dose of 1,500 mg. If you take too high a dose right at the start, your body will detoxify too quickly. Once your body has gotten used to MSM after a week, you can carefully increase the amount.

As a next step, take 3,000 mg, for example, and see how much you need. Up to 10,000 mg per day should not be a problem. There is no time limit for taking MSM.

If you would like to take a higher dose, try our MSM powder. This gives you even more flexibility in terms of quantity. Don't like the taste of the powder? No problem, just add a little juice to the water-powder mixture.

By the way: MSM can be combined excellently with other dietary supplements, as they complement each other's effects.

Typical symptoms and causes of sulfur deficiency

There is practically no cell in the body that does not contain sulfur in some form. The element performs a number of tasks in the organism. You should therefore try to avoid sulfur deficiency as much as possible. This manifests itself in particular through:

• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Dull skin
• Joint problems
• Brittle skin and nails
• Flaccid connective tissue [26]

Fish, milk, and onions: Natural sources of MSM

Under certain conditions, MSM supplementation is advisable. At the same time, however, it is also worth ensuring that you have a balanced diet. Foods rich in MSM include:

• Onions
• Raw milk
• Sauerkraut
• Tomato paste
• Tea
• Meat
• Fish [27]

Please note that raw milk can be contaminated with bacteria and should therefore be consumed with great caution, if at all.

Preparation (e.g., washing and cooking) significantly reduces the MSM content in foods. Heat in particular has a severe effect on this valuable compound. It is usually difficult to meet your needs with plant-based foods. This is because plant cells are not particularly rich in sulfur. Therefore, a sulfur deficiency mainly affects vegetarians and vegans.

When is additional MSM intake advisable?

Under certain conditions, it is not possible to meet sulfur requirements through diet alone. This may be due to increased requirements, reduced absorption, or a combination of both. MSM supplementation is particularly advisable in the following cases:

• Low MSM intake, e.g., due to food allergies or diet
• Immune deficiency
• Veganism
• Intestinal diseases [1]

Make sure you get enough sulfur, especially as you get older. This is because the total amount of sulfur in the body decreases with age.

What makes a high-quality MSM supplement

The range of supplements available is almost limitless, especially when it comes to dietary supplements. This makes it all the more important to choose a high-quality MSM supplement. You can recognize these by the following characteristics:

• high and absolutely pure quality
• easy to dose
• sufficiently high dosage
• no additives such as colorants or preservatives
• suitable for vegans, as only vegetable oils are used
• fair price-performance ratio

Ultra-pure MSM for maximum effect: UltraPure MSM capsules

Ultra-pure ingredients are particularly convenient in the form of UltraPure MSM capsules. Benefit from the numerous advantages of this dosage form, such as:

• Precise dosage
• Easy to transport
• Taste neutral
• Long shelf life
• Discreet intake anywhere

Different consistency, just as effective: UltraPure MSM powder

Powder gives you maximum flexibility in dosing. If you prefer this dosage form, we recommend UltraPure MSM powder.

How is MSM absorbed by the body?

MSM supplies the body with sulfur, a mineral that has many health-promoting and pain-relieving properties. Although there are many foods that contain sulfur, heat during preparation significantly reduces the MSM content.

When taken by mouth, MSM is absorbed very quickly. In the intestine, the compound enters the bloodstream. It is excreted in the stool and urine. As mentioned above, our body also stores sulfur, about 50 percent of it in the skin, bones, and muscles. [28] [29] 

Possible side effects that may occur when taking MSM

You need not worry about side effects if you want to use MSM as a dietary supplement. At most, signs of detoxification may occur if you start with too high an initial dose. Sulfur is known to promote the elimination of stored toxins.

If taken in too high a dose, the following symptoms may occur in the first ten days:

• Skin rashes
• Diarrhea
• Mild headaches
• Fatigue

In these cases, it may be advisable to reduce the dosage slightly. An overdose in the true sense of the word is not possible, as excess amounts are excreted in the stool and urine. [10] [29]