What is MSM and how does it work?
MSM is short for methylsulfonylmethane - a readily available biological source of organic sulfur found in animals, plants and the human body. MSM has long been used in sports and medicine to relieve joint pain and prevent joint problems (1,3). Hard training sessions with heavy weights and intensive endurance training can put a lot of strain on joints. According to researchers, this can lead to significant wear and tear of the joints and inflammatory diseases of the joints over the course of a training career. Studies have found that MSM was able to protect the joint cartilage of test subjects from such degradation (1,3). The readily bioavailable sulphur contained in MSM is an important component of human cartilage tissue, enabling it to prevent joint problems (1,3). However, MSM also showed an effect in studies when joint problems and joint pain were already present in test subjects. In addition to its joint-protective properties, MSM also has pronounced anti-inflammatory effects, according to scientists. For the test subjects in the studies, this meant that not only was the regeneration of damaged joints promoted, but joint pain could also be alleviated (4). However, the effect of MSM is not limited to sports-related joint problems. Studies have also shown MSM to be helpful for age-related joint problems such as osteoarthritis (5, 6, 7).
However, the benefits of MSM that have been proven in studies do not end there. Another point in favour of MSM is that it has been shown in a study to promote regeneration after intensive training sessions and hard physical exertion in test subjects (8). As everyone knows, hard training sessions can lead to muscle damage and muscle soreness, which inevitably leads to increased levels of free radicals. These can damage muscle cells as well as many other cells in the body (9). Scientific studies have shown that MSM was able to significantly reduce exercise-induced muscle damage, muscle soreness and joint pain in test subjects after training (10, 11). In addition, MSM was also able to increase the levels of the body's most powerful antioxidant, glutathione, which can quickly and effectively reduce the increased levels of free radicals caused by exercise (12). Another effect that studies have shown for MSM is a supportive effect on the immune system in general. Really intensive training sessions can reduce the function of the immune system for several hours immediately after training, which can increase susceptibility to infectious diseases. Sulphur compounds such as MSM play an important role in the health of the immune system (13). Scientific studies have shown that taking MSM before strenuous training sessions can reduce the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the test group and thus prevent immune cells from being overloaded (14).
What other benefits can a regular intake of MSM bring?
Due to its anti-inflammatory effect, which researchers attribute to the inhibition of the protein complex NF-kB, among other things, MSM was able to counteract chronic inflammation in the body in the test subjects of a study (15). These generally contribute to the development and exacerbation of a variety of diseases including cardiovascular disease, stomach ulcers and diabetes (16, 17). The skin is another area that depends on an optimal supply of sulphur in the body. The keratin contained in our skin is a protein that serves as the main structural component of our hair, skin and nails. Keratin contains a comparatively large proportion of the amino acid cysteine. This contains high levels of sulphur, which is where the characteristic smell of sulphur comes from when hair burns. In a study, MSM was found to have a positive effect on the skin health of test subjects, as it can be used as a source of sulphur for keratin in the human body (18). MSM also contributes to a reduction in inflammatory processes that can otherwise damage the skin and cause signs of premature ageing such as wrinkles (19). It has even been shown in studies to alleviate the symptoms of more serious skin conditions such as rosacea in test subjects, significantly improving redness, itching, inflammation, hydration and skin colour (20).
Considering the numerous studies that have already been conducted on methyl sulfonyl methane, it is not surprising that it has long been used in sports and medicine to relieve joint pain and prevent joint problems. MSM has been shown to have a positive effect on the human body in various areas and is therefore also very popular as a supplement. As always, GN supplies you with the active ingredient in its purest form and in the usual top quality, so that it can unfold its full effect where it is needed. **Opti MSM from GN Laboratories - because in the end only results count.
