The MSM Story-One of Nature's Primary Sources of Organic Dietary Sulfur!
The human body requires a continuous supply of usable sulfur, and MSM is one of the primary
organic sulfur-containing molecules for use by living organisms. From life's earliest beginnings,
primitive marine organisms (blue-green algae and phytoplankton) have absorbed inorganic sulfur
from ocean waters and produced organic sulfur molecules, primarily dimethyl sulfonium salts. These
salts are released back into the sea, where they are converted to dimethyl sulfide, which readily
evaporates, ending up in the upper atmosphere. Dimethyl sulfide is then oxidized by UV light,
forming DMSO and MSM. The two compounds are delivered to land masses in rain water, and absorbed
by plants. MSM is a stable end product of this process, serving as a primary source of sulfur in
the food chain.
Highlights:
-Science-based nutrition
-Dietary supplement
-Maintains healthy joints and connective tissue*
Benefits:
Supports Joint Structure, Function, and Comfort*
The Roles of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate in Joints
Articular cartilage is a connective tissue composed of specialized cells (chondrocytes) embedded
in a matrix of protein fibers (mostly collagen) and clusters of complex proteoglycan molecules
that consist of a protein core with numerous side chains. These side chains, chiefly chondroitin
sulfate and keratin sulfate, are long polysaccharide molecules called glycosaminoglycans.
Chondroitin sulfate (CS) and the other glycosaminoglycans strongly attract water due to the
negative charges of their sulfate groups. These negative charges also repel each other, creating
spaces between glycosaminoglycan side chains where water can enter. This combination of solid and
liquid gives cartilage a compressible quality that allows it to function as a shock absorber for
joints.
Glucosamine is a fundamental building block for proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans. Glucosamine
sulfate (GS) helps to maintain joint health through its ability to both act as a component of and
stimulate formation of cartilage glycosaminoglycans and the hyaluronic acid backbone essential for
the formation of cartilage proteoglycans.
The Abundant Evidence Behind Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate
Extensive joint health research over the past few decades has investigated the effects of
glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, or a combination of the two. A 2009 meta-analysis
summarized results from 6 well-designed studies involving a total of 1,502 research participants.
The authors of this meta-analysis were able to make some conclusions about the apparent
effectiveness of long-term oral supplementation with CS or GS. Glucosamine sulfate at 1,500 mg
daily over a period of at least 3 years and chondroitin sulfate at 800 mg daily over a period of
at least 2 years both helped subjects maintain healthy knee cartilage structure. In a 2008 review
of GS & CS used for joint support, the London physician who wrote it concludes that, "Glucosamine,
chondroitin, and the combination of these two agents have stood the test of time."
Glucosamine sulfate is one of the most important-and thoroughly researched-dietary supplements for
joint health ever developed. In addition to its potential to influence joint structure (and thus
function), research also backs the ability of GS to influence joint comfort. In one such
multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study of 252 subjects, joint comfort in the
knee was found to be higher in the glucosamine sulfate group than the placebo group. Similar
studies of equal magnitude found that GS enhanced joint comfort. Key among findings from these
types of studies is the reoccurring theme of a good safety profile for glucosamine sulfate;
reported "side effects" of GS were essentially no different than placebo.
Similar to glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate is known to influence the maintenance of healthy
cartilage-in this case by acting on matrix metalloproteases (MMPs). Chondroitin sulfate has been
shown to inhibit MMP-3 synthesis, which plays an important role in homeostasis of cartilage
proteoglycans. Additionally, CS can downplay MMP-13 in chondrocytes, helping to maintain the
integrity of articular cartilage matrix.
Clinical Trials Explore MSM's Joint Action
Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial examining the effect of
MSM supplementation on joint comfort in 50 men and women are promising. Subjects taking OptiMSM
methylsulfonylmethane for 12 weeks experienced greater joint comfort than those taking placebo,
suggesting potential for MSM as a joint support nutrient that warrants further investigation in
larger clinical trials. MSM also produced statistically significant changes in urinary
malondialdehyde, a marker of oxidative stress.
MSM has also been used in combination with glucosamine to study their impact on the health of
joints. In one such study, a total of 118 subjects were randomized into one of four groups for 12
weeks: glucosamine (500 mg three times daily), MSM (500 mg three times daily), the combination of
glucosamine and MSM, or a placebo treatment. Glucosamine alone and MSM alone were shown to enhance
joint function, while the combination was found to be even more effective, by both subjective and
objective measurements.
Supplement Facts:
Serving Size: 2 Capsules
Serving per container: 120
* Percent Daily Values are based on a diet supplying 2000 calories per day.
* Percent Daily Value not established.
Other ingredients:
Gelatin (capsule), cellulose, magnesium stearate (vegetable source).
Directions:
Take 2 capsules twice daily, with or without food.
Warnings:
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN
Note:
Glucosamine is obtained from the shells of shellfish. Contains sodium-free potassium stabilized
glucosamine sulfate, bovine chondroitin sulfate and MSM (OptiMSM).
Does Not Contain:
Milk, egg, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, sugar, sweeteners, starch, salt, or preservatives
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