europa skin care : natural, organic & science-based skin care

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

MSM / Methylsulfonylmethane - Benefits & Side Effects


Methylsulfonylmethane (also known as MSM) is a dietary supplement known for its role in detoxification processes of the body and its ability to expel free radicals. 
Sulfur in MSM may assist in the production of collagen and keratin, which are essential for overall skin health, hydration, and replenishment. MSM may also inhibit external elements that strip skin of its natural moisture.


Benefits
• Rich in sulfur
• Energy stimulant
• Joint and bone support
• Anti-inflammatory pain reducer

MSM is found in small amounts in everyone's blood and it is also found in many foods. It's unclear what role dietary MSM plays in the complex chemistry of the human body, but like other sulfur compounds, it is a necessary building block for proteins, especially those found in the hair, muscles, and connective tissue of the joints and skin. Sulfur also is found in insulin hormone and bile acid. MSM, taken as an oral supplement, is able to cross the blood brain barrier.

MSM serves as an important source of bioavailable dietary sulfur, an element that plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity and elasticity of connective and other tissues. It is an important component of proteins found throughout the body, such as in hair, nails, skin and tendons.

MSM supplements appear to be a promising nutrient in the treatment of arthritis and possibly certain types of allergies. A study finds the combination of MSM and glucosamine to benefit in the treatment of arthritis. More research is needed before we determine the full benefit of MSM supplements and the potential MSM side effects with long term use.  We have not seen any studies regarding the benefit of a MSM supplement in hair or nail growth.