Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is becoming a popular supplement, widely used as an alternative for medicine to help support healthy joints and reduce inflammation.
Research supports the use of MSM for a range of joint and inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, muscle soreness, and seasonal allergies.
Though, as with any supplement, we want to know how much we need to take to reap these benefits.
In this article, we explore MSM, its common uses, optimal dosage, and the best way to take it to yield the greatest results!
What is MSM?
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organic, sulfur-containing compound found naturally in plants, animals, and humans.
MSM is a key structural nutrient involved in the formation of collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin, and other essential proteins that make up cartilage and connective tissues.
MSM has become a popular dietary supplement used for a variety of purposes, particularly for joint and cartilage support and as an anti-inflammatory agent. You may often see MSM as a key ingredient in joint supplements, working alongside the likes of glucosamine and chondroitin.
MSM is thought to serve a variety of purposes1, such as:
- Supporting healthy joints and range of motion
- Helping to reduce muscle and joint pain
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Countering the effects of cartilage breakdown
- Countering the effects of free radical damage
- Joint-protective antioxidant activity
Common Uses of MSM
MSM for Inflammation
Likely the most common use of MSM is for its effective anti-inflammatory properties, particularly for conditions such as arthritis, but also for exercise-induced inflammation and seasonal allergies.
By lowering inflammation and inhibiting the release of cytokines and prostaglandins (inflammatory substances), MSM may be effective in reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis.1
MSM is thought to also boost antioxidant activity by increasing levels of glutathione - a powerful antioxidant.
MSM for Cartilage Preservation
Cartilage breakdown is thought to be the driving force behind osteoarthritis - a condition that causes painful, stiff joints by wear and tear of the cartilage surrounding the joint.
MSM is commonly used as an alternative to medication for joint and cartilage support, and easing arthritis symptoms.
It has been shown to reduce pain and stiffness associated with arthritis and works to increase the effectiveness of other common supplements for joints such as glucosamine and chondroitin.1
MSM for Muscle Soreness
Muscle damage and increased oxidative stress occur as a result of strenuous exercise.
This is what causes athletes and gym-goers to experience muscle soreness and pain, sometimes delayed (delayed onset muscle soreness).
MSM works to naturally speed up muscle recovery due to the anti-inflammatory properties and ability to reduce oxidative stress.1
Studies have noted a decrease in exercise-induced oxidation with MSM supplementation and is thought to be the underlying reason for reductions in muscle damage and soreness - a win for gym enthusiasts!
MSM for Oxidative Stress
As well as decreasing exercise-induced oxidative stress, MSM has also been shown to reduce general oxidative biomarkers following ingestion.
Additionally, MSM is thought to increase whole body antioxidative potential, promoting whole-body protection from free radical damage.1
MSM: Optimal Dosage
MSM is reasonably well-tolerated by most individuals, with dosages of up to four grams daily being noted with minimal side effects.
While dosages of up to four grams of MSM appear to be effective as a standalone supplement, is this really the best way to take it?
After all, we are on the lookout for an effective joint support supplement, so what we really want to know is how best to take it for optimal results.
MSM: Best Way to Take
MSM is best taken as a stack with other joint supplements. As we have established, MSM is a key substance involved in the formation of essential proteins such as collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin, which all make up cartilage and connective tissue.
It appears these supplements work best together. So, if you’re looking to make the most of MSM, consider taking it as part of a stack.
Performance Lab Flex uses 100mg OptiMSM®, which is the purest and best quality MSM available.
This 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.
MSM: How Much Should You Take?
Dosages of up to four grams of MSM have been noted as a standalone supplement, though the best way to supplement with MSM is alongside other common joint supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin.
MSM works best as a booster to the effectiveness of these supplements. Performance Lab Flex combines all these ingredients, plus more, to promote healthy joints that support your daily physical performance.
We recommend two daily capsules of Flex and advise a further two capsules immediately after exercise, getting the nutrients to your joints when you need them to promote quicker recovery.
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.
