—posting due by July 22
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is gaining popularity as an anti-arthritic. Interestingly, it has been used as a feed supplement for joint problems in horses for over a decade.
What is it? Is it effective?
Is it used in combination with other supplements?
Find me some good information about MSM!
Should we take it? Is it “snake oil”?
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
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Methylsulfonylmethane, abbreviated MSM, is an organic sulfur-containing compound that occurs naturally in a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains and in animals, including humans in at least trace amounts. MSM has also been found in such plants as Equisetem arvense, also known as horsetail. The biological role of MSM, if any, is not known. MSM is a metabolite of dimethyl sulfoxide or DMSO (see Dimethyl Sulfoxide). It is believed that some of the possible effects of DMSO could be attributed to MSM.
The diet of an animal is enhanced by providing to the animal for ingestion a beneficial amount of methylsulfonylmethane which is in addition to any amount present as a naturally occurring constituent in the foodstuff ingested by the animal. The methylsulfonylmethane is an assimilable source of dietetic sulfur and is effective in maintaining good health and improving poor health of animals, including human beings.
MSM is sold as a dietary supplement that is marketed with a variety of claims and is commonly used (often in combination with glucosamine and/or chondroitin) for helping to treat or prevent osteoarthritis.
It is a good product for animals and humans
http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/met_0176.shtml
http://arthritis.about.com/od/msmdietarysupplement1/MSM_Methylsulfonylmethane_Supplement_Benefits_Side_Effects.htm
-What is it?
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM, or dimethylsulfone) is an organic sulfur compound belonging to a class of chemicals known as sulfones. It occurs naturally in some primitive plants and is present in small amounts in many foods and beverages.
-Is it effective?
Clinical evidence for the usefulness of MSM is limited to animal studies and four published clinical studies in humans. These pilot studies of MSM have suggested some benefits, particularly for treatment of osteoarthritis. Further studies would be needed to test the usefulness of the chemical as a medical therapy.
-Is it used in combination?
MSM is sold as a dietary supplement that is marketed with a variety of claims and is commonly used (often in combination with glucosamine and/or chondroitin) for helping to treat or prevent osteoarthritis
-Should we take it?
“Medline searches for "methylsulfonylmethane, "MSM," and "dimethylsulfone" found few reports on MSM published in mainstream scientific journals between 1966 and 2000 and none in which MSM was tested for effectiveness against any human ailment. Two studies in rats found that MSM delayed the onset of chemically induced cancers . However, since no further studies have been reported in more than 10 years, this appears not to have been a fruitful line of research. Another study found no effect on the onset of diabetes in rats.” MSM supplements probably make little or no contribution to the body's sulfur requirements. Thus there is no good reason to use MSM supplements.
After reading the article on Quackwatch I wouldn’t take it, but then again I am not big on supplements.
http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/DSH/msm.html
-Is it snake oil?
Snake Oil originally came from China, where it was marketed for inflammation and pain in rheumatoid arthritis. so snake oil was actually a plausible remedy for joint pain as these are thought to have inflammation-reducing properties. Snake oil is still sold in traditional Chinese pharmacy stores. “Snake Oil” is also referred to supplements that are not identified and unmarked or “work” the placebo principle.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snake_oil
MSM is an “organic sulfur compound” in the chemical class sulfones. It’s a dietary supplement is used to treat or prevent osteoarthritis (muscle pain). It also occurs naturally in some primitive plants and is found in small amounts in many foods and beverages.
There was a double-blind placebo-controlled study done where patients where given 1500 mg per day. The results showed that MSM was helpful in relieving symptoms of knew osteoarthritis. The patients had significantly less pain and improved physical function. The researchers did not look into safety of long-term use.
MSM is essentially a form of dietary fiber, and not a drug.
MSM will not cure arthritis because there is no cure for arthritis, but it has been proven to relieve the pain caused by arthritis. Drugs such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin are also used to help with muscle and joint pain.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methylsulfonylmethane
http://www.glucosamine-arthritis.org/glucosamine/MSM.html
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM, or dimethylsulfone) is an organic sulfur compound belonging to a class of chemicals known as sulfones. It occurs naturally in some primitive plants and is present in small amounts in many foods and beverages.
MSM is also known as dimethylsulfone, a name that reflects its close chemical relationship to dimethyl sulfoxide which differs only in the oxidation state of the sulfur atom. MSM is the primary metabolite of DMSO in humans, and it shares some of the properties of DMSO. MSM is sold as a dietary supplement that is marketed with a variety of claims and is commonly used often in combination with glucosamine and with chondroitin for helping to treat or prevent osteoarthritis.
Clinical evidence for the usefulness of MSM is limited to animal studies and four published clinical studies in humans. These pilot studies of MSM have suggested some benefits, particularly for treatment of osteoarthritis.
http://arthritis.about.com/od/msmdietarysupplement1/MSM_Methylsulfonylmethane_Supplement_Benefits_Side_Effects.htm
MSM, or methylsufonylmethane, is a nontoxic, organic sulfur-containing nutrient that supports healthy active lifestyles by providing the body with a form of sulfur, a nutritionally essential nutrient. MSM and its related sulfur compounds are the source of 85 percent of the sulfur found in all living organisms. As an important part of the natural sulfur cycle, MSM plays a crucial role in many important functions of the human body. In fact, sulfur is the third most abundant mineral based on percentage of total body weight. A necessary element for babies, sulfur is the sixth most abundant macromineral found in breast milk. MSM is also found in green leafy vegetables, milk, eggs, coffee, and tea.
Research has shown that MSM may be effective for the treatment of allergy, pain syndromes, athletic injuries, and bladder disorders. However, the role of elemental sulfur in human nutrition is only beginning to be understood. MSM is not intended to cure, treat, diagnose or prevent any disease. It is possible that additional research will reveal more uses for this naturally-occurring sulfur compound. Researchers at the American Institute for Biosocial and Medical Research note that the low toxicological profiles of these sulfur compounds, combined with promising therapeutic effects, warrant continued human clinical trails.
MSM is also combined with glucosamine and/or chondroitin for helping to treat or prevent osteoarthritis.
If the medicine will relieve symptoms of arthritis in the individual then it should be taken, however like other supplements it is not fully tested and should be used with caution.
http://www.msm-supplement.com/
http://www.msm-supplement.com/herbal-remedies/msm/msm-benefits
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): is commonly used acronym for methylsulfonylmethane, a naturally occurring source of sulfur and an ingredient often featured in joint supplement products. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) contains sulfur in a form the body can readily use. Sulfur is necessary for the production of collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin and certain anti-oxidants - all of which are vital to healthy cartilage and overall joint health. ~Google Define.
Effectiveness: As can be seen from the sources I have listed. MSM has been shown to be very effective in treating osteoporosis, arthritis, and hangover.
Safety: data from the sources I've included show little unwanted adverse side effects.
Used in combination? Yes. MSM is usually sold in supplements.
Is it snake oil? NO. Although "snake oil" is used in some courties for joint and bone problems, I found nothing to suggest MSM is derived from this.
References:
http://tinyurl.com/23rny2
http://tinyurl.com/ypc25d
http://tinyurl.com/ysxjqg
http://tinyurl.com/2auqly
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