Methylsulfonylmethane, better known as MSM, is the building block for healthy bones and joints, as well as being an anti-inflammatory and having antioxidant properties.
While we can find MSM naturally in our body, animals, plants, and food, it’s also available as a supplement.
MSM supplements are often sold as a standalone supplement or as part of joint supplement stacks alongside other ingredients such as glucosamine and chondroitin.
Research has shown MSM supplements to have many health benefits, ranging from joint support to reducing muscle soreness, making this a staple supplement for many populations, such as athletes and elderly folks!
This article explores the top benefits of taking MSM supplements and how best to take them to see the greatest results!
What is MSM?
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organic, white crystalline substance that contains 34% sulfur. The compound is found naturally in plants, animals, and humans, but is also available as a supplement.
MSM is known to be a building block nutrient involved in the formation of collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin, essential proteins that make up our cartilage and connective tissues.
The popular joint supplement is thought to serve a variety of purposes such as:
- Supporting healthy joints
- Improving range of motion
- Reducing muscle soreness
- Reducing inflammation
- Countering effects of cartilage breakdown
- Protecting us from oxidative stress1
MSM should be a staple supplement for anyone who needs additional support for their joints and muscles.
This makes MSM ideal for those suffering from joint and muscle pain, athletes looking to prevent cartilage wear and tear, elderly folk who are more prone to developing joint conditions such as arthritis, and anyone else who wishes to support overall joint health.
Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of supplementing with MSM!
The Benefits of Supplementing with MSM
Helps Reduce Inflammation
MSM is best known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can offer a range of benefits, from reducing joint pain to easing symptoms of seasonal allergies.
MSM works to lower inflammation by inhibiting the release of inflammatory substances such as prostaglandins and cytokines.1
By doing this, MSM may help:
- Ease painful symptoms of arthritis
- Reduce the effects of exercise-induced muscle inflammation
- Ease symptoms of seasonal allergies such as allergic rhinitis
Helps Ease Symptoms of Joint Conditions
As we age, the cartilage around our joints tends to wear down after many years of use. This is why older generations tend to suffer from conditions such as osteoarthritis, which is caused by cartilage breakdown.
MSM is commonly used for arthritic conditions, as not only does it help reduce pain and inflammation, but it also helps preserve cartilage, particularly by increasing the effectiveness of other common joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin.
MSM is commonly used as an alternative to medication for joint and cartilage support for its ability to ease symptoms associated with conditions such as arthritis.1
Speeds Up Recovery from Exercise
When we exercise, we’re actually damaging our muscles and causing oxidative stress.
While this is a very normal process, it’s what tends to cause our sore muscles the day after a tough workout!
MSM works to help relieve muscle soreness and speed up our recovery by utilizing its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.1
Research suggests that supplementing with MSM was shown to decrease exercise-induced oxidation, which is what causes sore muscles.
Helps Keep Our Immune System Healthy
Keeping our immune system healthy is essential for protecting our overall health and longevity. Factors such as stress, illness, poor nutrition, insufficient sleep, and lack of physical activity are all factors that can weaken our immune system.
MSM has been shown to be effective in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which can weaken our immunity.1
In addition to this, MSM helps increase glutathione levels, which is our body’s top powerful antioxidant. Adequate levels of glutathione can, in turn, promote the healthy function of our immune system.
MSM Supplements: A Final Word
So, after hearing about all the amazing benefits of supplementing with MSM, you’re probably wondering how best to take it to yield the greatest results!
As we have established, MSM plays a key role in the formation of essential proteins such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen, which are all substances that make up our cartilage and connective tissues.
For this reason, it appears MSM is best taken as part of a stack of other joint supplements, which all work synergistically to promote healthy joints and bones.
The best joint supplement on the market right now is Performance Lab Flex, containing 100mg OptiMSM®, the purest and best quality MSM available.
Flex is combined with glucosamine, chondroitin, turmeric, boswellia serrata, and strontium, all helping to lubricate joints, absorb shock, support ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, and relieve stiff, achy joints.
If you want to know more about “How Much MSM Should I Take?” check out our linked guide.
References
- Butawan M, Benjamin RL, Bloomer RJ. Methylsulfonylmethane: Applications and Safety of a Novel Dietary Supplement. Nutrients. 2017;9(3):290. Published 2017 Mar 16.
