MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): Uses and Risks

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MSM is a versatile dietary supplement with potential benefits in reducing inflammation, pain, and improving metabolic health. While it is generally safe for consumption, more research is needed to establish its long-term safety and efficacy in various health conditions. As with any supplement, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before starting MSM supplementation.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a sulfur-containing compound commonly used as a dietary supplement. It is known for its potential health benefits, particularly in reducing inflammation and pain. This article explores the various uses of MSM, its efficacy in different conditions, and the associated risks.

Common Uses of MSM

Anti-Inflammatory and Pain Relief

MSM is widely recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties. It has been shown to improve health-specific outcomes such as inflammation, joint and muscle pain, oxidative stress, and antioxidant capacity. Clinical trials have demonstrated that MSM can significantly reduce pain and physical function impairment in individuals with osteoarthritis (OA). Additionally, MSM supplementation has been found to attenuate post-exercise muscle and joint pain, although the results were not statistically significant.

Osteoarthritis Treatment

MSM has been evaluated for its efficacy in treating osteoarthritis. A systematic review highlighted that MSM could provide positive, albeit not definitive, evidence of its superiority over placebo in treating mild to moderate OA of the knee. Another study confirmed that MSM supplementation improved symptoms of pain and physical function in knee OA patients without major adverse events.

Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress and Muscle Damage

MSM has been investigated for its potential to reduce oxidative stress and muscle damage induced by strenuous exercise. A study involving half-marathon runners found that MSM supplementation did not significantly decrease oxidative stress or muscle damage but did reduce muscle and joint pain at clinically significant levels.

Neuroprotection

Recent research has suggested that MSM may offer neuroprotective benefits. In a study on rats, MSM treatment improved histopathological insults and ameliorated levels of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and Alzheimer’s disease markers induced by bisphenol-A and radiation exposure.

Metabolic Health

MSM has shown promise in improving metabolic health in obesity-related conditions. Studies on mice have demonstrated that MSM can significantly decrease blood glucose levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol contents. In humans, MSM supplementation was found to elevate high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, suggesting potential benefits for cardiometabolic health.

Cancer Treatment

MSM has also been explored for its potential in cancer treatment. Research on prostate cancer cells indicated that MSM could decrease cell viability and invasiveness by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.

Safety and Risks

General Safety

MSM is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and is well-tolerated by most individuals at dosages of up to four grams daily, with few known and mild side effects. A study on the safety of MSM in patients with musculoskeletal disorders found no significant adverse effects on metabolic, liver, or kidney functions.

Toxicity Studies

Toxicology studies in rats have shown that MSM is well-tolerated at high doses, with no adverse events or mortality observed at acute and subacute doses. However, further research is needed to confirm the long-term safety of MSM in humans.

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