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Posted on Dec 30, 2005, 8 p.m.
By Bill Freeman
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: MSM is organic sulfur, which occurs naturally in the body. Sulfur is found in every cell of the body and is structurally and functionally important to a number of hormones, enzymes, antibodies, and antioxidants. In the body, the highest concentrations of MSM are found in breast milk, which helps infants to build a strong immune system.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
MSM is organic sulfur, which occurs naturally in the body. Sulfur is found in every cell of the body and is structurally and functionally important to a number of hormones, enzymes, antibodies, and antioxidants. In the body, the highest concentrations of MSM are found in breast milk, which helps infants to build a strong immune system. Over time, MSM deficiencies occur as a part of the aging process. MSM is present in meat, fish, eggs, poultry, milk, grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables (especially asparagus and cruciferous vegetables). Because MSM is lost in food processing and storage, dietary sources may not offer enough MSM for therapeutic impact.
ROLE IN ANTI-AGING:
Some studies have found that MSM may be beneficial to people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, however this use of MSM is not clinically proven. Several animal studies have found that MSM appears to protect against cancer, however these findings have not been replicated in human studies. At moderate levels, MSM helps to maintain healthy skin, nails, and hair.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
None knownTHERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
Oral doses of MSM range from 250-2,250mg per day.MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL:
MSM is not believed to be toxic. A laboratory study examining doses up to about 250 times the highest dose normally used by humans reported that no toxic effects were observed.
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
None known
