Methylsulfonylmethane

Has anybody taken MSM, did it help you and were there any side effects from taking the supplement? I took it wed night and yesterday, 2, 2 times a day, I did a lot of work yesterday, I felt very tried and a little dizzy, I don't know if the MSM was responsible or I just did too much. I cannot take sulfa drugs because I once got a rash from them. I guess I wasn't thinking because MSM has sulfa, I didn't get any rash, just the above. MSM is used for joint problems, I did notice less pain when I was working, but maybe I can't take the supplement. Just wondering if anyone has had any experience with it.

Liz

I gave a good trial twice over the years. I had no side effects but no benefits either.

Sam

Liz - MSM is very useful for pain relief, inflammation and detoxification. I have a sensitivity to sulfa drugs (rash) but not MSM...and I find it very helpful whenever I do need relief or want to do a detox.

Go to this link and read down through the product data sheet and comments about reactions to naturally-occurring nutritional sulfur (MSM) versus sulfa drugs as well as the advice on dosing information. This may help you decide. (This is the brand I've used for many years). [www.rockwellnutrition.com]

Jackie

I got my MSM from Dr. Brownstein it is in capsule form, I think he had me start with too high a dose, I was told to take 2 with meals twice a day. The only ingredient in the supplement is MSM, I could try taking 1 cap a day and build up, I have read good things about it. I was concerned about the sulfa because I too got a rash from taking a sulfa drug, it was all over my body, so if it doesn't bother you, I will try it again. My MSM is from Pure Zen, says it is formulated by Healthcare Professional.

Sam:

Thanks for your input, some things work, some don't, I guess we can only try.

Liz

I think this is a supplement that would take a while to work. I have taken it for about 6 months now. Dizziness and tiredness are listed as possible side effects. Alot of people take this Supllement.

I’ve been a fan of MSM for a very long time. It’s a staple in my ‘wellness cabinet.’

Here’s some info from the Designs for Health product data sheet about MSM’s properties

MSM - For Pain Relief & Overall Wellness

MSM is a remarkable substance known for its ability to relieve pain and promote wellness. Many physicians are finding that patients' need for pain medication can be greatly reduced when MSM supplements are taken at the same time. For many, MSM has allowed them to live pain-free for the first time in years. The research on MSM and its pain relieving properties is still in its infancy.

The good news, however, is that MSM is an innocuous natural substance that can be used safely along with a
host of pain medications. Safety is an important point when it comes to pain relief, because many of the medications
used to treat pain are toxic.

MSM provides most of its benefits by supplying the body with sulfur. Sulfur is responsible for the health promoting and pain-relieving properties of MSM. Approximately half of the sulfur in the body is found in the muscles, skin and bones. Sulfur is necessary for making collagen, the primary constituent of cartilage, skin and connective tissue.

For an extensive discussion of the benefits of MSM, refer to the book The Miracle of MSM: The Natural Solution for Pain (Putnam Press, 1999) by Stanley Jacob, M.D., Ronald Lawrence, M.D., Ph.D. and Martin Zucker. Dr. Jacob is regarded as one of the pioneers in the clinical applications of MSM, and in his book, he discusses his many case histories where he has used MSM to treat pain, inflammation, asthma, osteoarthritis, autoimmune diseases, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, sinusitis, shin splints, TMJ, back pain, allergies, and other conditions.

Possible Applications of MSM:
􀂄 Acne
􀂄 Allergies
􀂄 Bursitis and Rheumatism
􀂄 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
􀂄 Fibromyalgia
􀂄 Heartburn
􀂄 Mercury Removal
􀂄 Muscle Pain
􀂄 Osteoarthritis
􀂄 Tendonitis

Common questions about MSM

Q: What happens when I take MSM?
A: The sulfur in MSM will help take certain chemicals and make them water
soluble. This allows them to then be excreted by the kidneys. Some of the sulfur
will be used to make cysteine which will be used to make glutathione which
will rid toxic metals, protect cells from oxidation, and do other important
health promoting activities.7 MSM will also go to any injured cells and reduce
inflammation, increase flow of nutrients to the site and promote tissue repair.
It may also help prevent scarring. If you are an allergic person it will help
control your histamine response. MSM has also been found to raise energy.

Q: If I am allergic to sulfa drugs, will I be allergic to MSM?
A: Doctors usually answer this question with a YES. However, it is very rare to
be allergic to nutritional sulfur. Most people allergic to sulfa drugs tolerate
MSM very well. However, if you are concerned about the possible sensitivity to
sulfur, start with a small amount of MSM and build up your intake slowly under
the guidance of your health care practitioner. Taking 100 mcg of molybdenum
along with MSM will also help you to metabolize MSM more effectively.

Q: When I started taking MSM I got a headache. Can MSM be to blame?
A: This is not common, but can occur. First of all, the sulfur in MSM increases
detoxification, the body's process of removing cellular and metabolic waste.
This "spring cleaning" initiated by MSM is a health enhancing process, but if
you start to release toxins too quickly, this could cause a headache. The
solution? Stop your MSM for a few days, and begin to take it again in reduced
doses so your body can cleanse itself more slowly. This will allow you to detoxify
without headaches.

Q: Should I be taking other nutrients with MSM?
A: Taking a supplement of 100 mcg per day or more of molybdenum helps MSM
work more effectively. Also, taking a high quality multivitamin and a potent
antioxidant formula is also recommended to maximize the benefits of MSM.

Q: How does MSM stop pain?
A: MSM has many of the actions of DMSO. In a 1993 study conducted at
Southern Illinois Univ., researchers concluded that conduction of pain impulses
is slowed down with even low concentrations of DMSO. DMSO inhibits pain
impulses along a major nervous system network called C fibers. C fibers carry
pain messages from the site of damaged tissue to the brain. Other studies have
shown that DMSO can even produce a blockage of central pain response in the
brain where pain is received.

Q: How does MSM relieve constipation?
A: It dilates blood vessels to increase blood flow. More impressively, MSM
appears to be a cholinesterase inhibitor so it stops excessive passage of nerve
impulses from one nerve cell to another. It is capable of restoring peristalsis and
stops muscle spasms in the bowel.

Q: How does MSM relieve inflammation?
A: MSM increases the effectiveness of the body's natural anti-inflammatory
hormone, cortisol. MSM also inhibits proliferation of fibroblasts.₈ Excessive
amounts of fibroblasts are produced in the swelling process and lead to scar
tissue. MSM also binds to fluid in swollen tissue and aids in its removal.

Q: How can MSM help with allergies and/or respiratory problems?
A: MSM blocks histamine receptors. It acts like a bodyguard outside the cell
membrane deciding how much histamine will be allowed in to cause inflammation,
swelling and fluid build-up.

Q: Why can't I just eat more sulfur-rich foods and not take MSM?
A: Eating more of these foods will give your body more sulfur, but not duplicate
the effects of MSM. MSM has many actions in and of itself that only occur when
optimizing MSM intake directly.

Q: MSM gave me a rash. Should I stop taking it?
A: The MSM is probably helping you to rid excess copper and/or toxic metals
such as mercury. Both of these metals can cause a skin rash. You do not need to
stop taking the MSM. It would be helpful to add Vitamin C to help the process
along and minimize symptoms. You could also reduce the dosage of MSM and
detoxify at a slower pace.


References
1. Pearson TW, Dawson H.J. and Lackey, H.B. Natural Occurring Levels of Dimethylsulfoxide in Selected Fruit, Vegetables, Grains and Beverages. Ann Chemical Soc 1981.
2. Jacob SW, and Herschler, R.J. personal communication. Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR.
3. Sellnow L. MSM An Aid from Nature. The Blood Horse 1987.
4. Jacob SW. Preliminary Evaluation of MSM in Osteoarthritis. Oregon Health Sciences University unpublished paper 1997.
5. Woldenberg SC. The treatment of chronic arthritis and rheumatoid conditions with colloidal sulfur. Journal of the Southern Medical Association 1935; 28:875-891.
6. McCabe Dea. Polar solvents in chemoprevention of dimethylbenzaanthracene induced rat mammary cancer. Arch Surg 1986; 121.
7. Richmond VL. Incorporation of methylsulfonylmethane sulfur into guinea pig serum proteins. Life Sciences 1986; 39:263-68.
8. Pfiffner JJ. Dimethyl sulfone: A constituent of the adrenal gland. Journal of Biological Chemistry 1940; 131:731.