Sulfur is found in over 150 bodily compounds from hormones and enzymes to tissues and antioxidants. The 3rd most abundant mineral in the human body, it occurs in connective tissue as collagen which helps form cartilage and is also a component of structural protein of the type found in joints, skin and hair.
40 million Americans have some form of degenerative joint disease, including 80% of people over 50. By the 7th decade, Osteoarthritis (OA) is nearly universal, producing the highest rate of morbidity of any disease. Sulfur content of cartilage decreases as we age and this decrease parallels degeneration in the joints. Some arthritis medication decreases the body’s sulfur reserves making the condition actually get worse.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is 34% sulfur by weight and is regulated as a dietary supplement by the FDA. Studies have shown that there are no known adverse effects of supplementing over the long term with MSM. MSM is also a safe and effective anti-inflammatory. Athletes can benefit greatly by MSM supplementation as it would speed the recovery of soft tissue and joint repair as well as acting as an anti-inflammatory without any adverse side-effects as with other anti-inflammatories.
Athletes and aging people are not the only ones who can benefit from MSM. Extensive anecdotal reports suggest that it may improve the suppleness of skin and the shininess of hair and nails.