MSM is a naturally occurring organic sulfur. Sulfur is present in every cell of your body. Sulfur must be present for collagen production, the formation of cartilage, and connective tissue. Sulfur is involved in the formation of keratin, required for healthy strong nails and hair. The body cannot produce immunoglobulins without it. Sulfur is the fourth most abundant mineral in our bodies. Food sources of MSM are beef, poultry, fish, raw milk, and eggs. Lesser doses are found in soybeans, turnips, dried beans, kale, and Brussels sprouts. Unfortunately, cooking almost completely destroys this water soluble nutrient, making it almost impossible to get MSM without supplementation. Deficiencies of sulfur can cause gastrointestinal problems, poor immune function, exacerbation of allergies, memory loss, acne, arthritis, dry skin, and brittle nails.

Experts believe that MSM stops pain impulses before they reach the brain. MSM as a supplement is fairly new, therefore many of the studies are preliminary.

In animal studies at Ohio State University College of Medicine, it was discovered that MSM delayed tumor growth in rats exposed to a cancer causing compound. The rats given MSM developed tumors 130 days later than the control group. That is considered to be about 10 human years. [1] 

Oregon Health Sciences University's Dr. Stanley Jacob did a trial involving MSM and snoring. He used MSM in a 16% water solution, which was put into the nostrils of subjects 15 minute before sleep. After from one to four days 80% of the subjects had stopped snoring. After 90 days none of the subjects reported any toxic or adverse reactions. [2] 

Dr. Jacob also did a study with Robert Herschler. They had good results using MSM to reduce the occurrence of constipation. [3] 

S.J. Childs conducted research at the department of surgery, University of Alabama Tuscaloosa. The results found MSM an effective treatment for painful bladder syndrome. [4] 
J.J. Morton and B.V. Siegel lead a study at the Oregon Health Science University in Portland, Oregon. Mice predisposed to Lupus were used to determine the effectiveness of MSM in the prevention or delay of Autoimmune disease. The mice given MSM in their drinking water from the age of one month had lower death rates and liver damage as compared to the control group. After seven months, 30% of the control group had died while all of the group receiving MSM were still alive.[5] 

Oregon Health Sciences University did a study involving mice susceptible to a condition similar to rheumatoid Arthritis. The mice were given a 3% solution of MSM in their drinking water starting at the age of two months. The mice given MSM had no sign of degeneration of cartilage. [6] 

MSM has a promising future. It is being studied for uses in wound healing, insect bites, sunburn, autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue, tendonitis, blood sugar levels, and much more! It is available for internal consumption form in capsule, powder, liquid, and tablet. For external use it comes in salves, lotions, soap, shampoo, conditioner, eye drops, and creams. MSM is fast becoming one of the most popular supplements of our time.

1. D. McCabe, P. O'Dwyer, B. Sickle-Santanello, E. Woltering, H. Abou-Issa, A. James, “Polar solvents in the chemoprevention of dimethybenzanthracene-induced rat mammary cancer,” Arch Surg, (121) (12) (December 1986):1455-9
2. Stanley W. Jacob, M.D., “Pharmacologic management of snoring,” US patent#5569679, issued Oct. 29, 1996.
3. Stanley W. Jacob, M.D. and Robert Herschler, “Dimethlsulfoxide After Twenty Years”, Ann NY Acad Sci (441) (1983):xiii-iv.
4. S.J. Child, “Dimethysulfone (DMSO2) in the treatment of interstitial cystitis,” Urol Clin North Am. (21) (1) (Feb 1994): 85-8
5.& 6 J.I. Morton and B.V. Siegel, “Effects of oral dimethyl sulfoxide and dimethyl sulfone on murine autoimmune lymphoproliferative disease,” Proc Soc Exp Biol Med, (183) (2) (Nov. 1986): 227-30.

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